ROME -- Shorter University Track & Field/Cross Country announced the hiring of Ronnie Moore as its new head cross country coach. Additionally, Moore will serve as an assistant coach to the track and field program.

Moore brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to the table, having served at both the high school and college levels. This will also be his second stint with the Hawks, as he was on the coaching staff previously, from 2007-2009.

"Ronnie brings the experience needed to move the cross country and distance programs forward. And, his wealth of experience will not only benefit the program on the track, but also in the classroom. He is strong in his faith and leads by example; which is evident in every aspect of his life. We feel like he is the perfect complement our current staff and will be committed to both, excellence and our mission to Transform Lives through Christ."

Moore began his coaching career at Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas. While serving as head cross country coach and assistant track coach he helped lead the boys team to three titles, and the girls to two.

After his stint at Episcopal, Moore served in the same role at Pratt Community College in Kansas where both, the men's and women's, cross country teams qualified for the NJCAA National Championships.

Moore then came to Shorter, where he assisted the Hawks in setting the foundation for where the program is today. Under his direction, Shorter qualified for the NAIA national championships, turned in many record breaking times, won its first conference championship, and produced a national champion in the high jump.

Upon leaving Shorter, Moore served as an assistant coach at Columbus State University; where he led the Cougars to both, the men's and women's, Peach Belt Championships in cross country, while also coaching the runner-up finisher at the 2010 NCAA DII Cross Country National Championship.

Most recently, he served as an assistant on the staff at Campbellsville University.

Moore is a native of Houston, Texas where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, before completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Arkansas. As an athlete, Moore was a 7-time NJCAA All-American at Blinn College and the 1985 Texas Southwest JUCO Conference Champion in the 400m hurdles. While at Arkansas, the team was a 2-time Southwest Conference Champion, and Moore won two NCAA triple crowns – having won titles at each, the cross country, indoor, and outdoor meets in a single season. He has also qualified for the US Olympic Trials in the 400m hurdles twice.

"I would like to thank President Dr. Dowless, Athletics Director Kim Graham, and Director of Track &Field Scott Byrd for the opportunity to lead the Men's & Women's Cross Country/Distance program here at Shorter," Moore says. "I'm thankful that they have the utmost confidence in me and my abilities to put this program in a great position both on and off the playing field. And, it is an honor to be reunited with so may well respected coaches in Byrd, Tom Saint, and Willie Griffieth."

When asked about his return to Shorter, Moore said, "I prayed. I understand Shorter University seeks to develop the whole person in preparation for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and contribution to society. In particular, it is dedicated to the enhancement and the expansion of future leadership for Christ and the country. During my final prayer I said 'I can't figure things out', and God said, 'I will direct your steps.'"