Drew Names New Cross Country Coach

MADISON, N.J. - Bob Koppenol, an avid runner and ranked triathlete in New Jersey, has been named Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach at Drew, announced Director of Athletics, Jason Fein, on Wednesday. Koppenol brings a unique background to the position, having served in the financial sector for much of his career before opening Starting Line Sports retailer in downtown Madison.

“We are delighted to have Bob join our staff,” said Fein. “I am certain that his dedication and commitment to success will help take the Drew Cross County program to new heights. He has strong ties to the local running community as well as a positive attitude that will be encouraging to our student-athletes as we look to build the program."

Koppenol’s unique path to the head coaching position began in 2006, following his retirement from a highly successful two-decade career on Wall Street. A Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Compliance Analyst at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch during his career, Koppenol left the finance industry to pursue his passion for running and triathlon by opening Starting Line Sports, an independent run, triathlon and swim specialty retailer in Madison.

“Along with opening Starting Line Sports, one of my dreams has been to coach distance running at a small school,” said Koppenol. “As a Madison resident, I’m thrilled that the opportunity comes at Drew. I believe my passion for running and training, enthusiasm for this position and knowledge of the sport will allow me to be a great coach for the Cross Country program.”

A competitive runner and triathlete, he is consistently ranked in the New Jersey road race and triathlete Masters class. The position is Koppenol’s first as a collegiate coach, though he does have experience at the youth and Masters levels. He was a letter-winner with The College of New Jersey’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams and a member of TCNJ’s NJ College Marathon Championship squad. A native of Summit, NJ, Koppenol was a varsity letter winner at Summit High.

A long-time Madison resident, Koppenol resides in the Rose City with his wife, Sue, and three children, Spencer, Kelsey and Tim. Koppenol succeeds Mark Leibowitz, who resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.

Koppenol can be reached via DrewAthletics@drew.edu.

Story provided by Drew Sports Information