Men's Cross Country

Dankwa Tapped to Lead York Cross Country and Track & Field Programs

Release courtesy York Athletic Communications

JAMAICA, N.Y. --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College Director of Athletics Carl Christian announced Tuesday the appointment of Alex Dankwa as the new head coach of the men's and women's cross country and track & field programs. Dankwa succeeds Keichen Smith, who had led the programs since January 2024.

"To lead these programs at York College is both an incredible honor and a tremendous responsibility—one I embrace with passion, purpose, and a clear vision for excellence. Taking the reins of a program with such a proud history at York is a full-circle moment that aligns perfectly with my mission as a coach. York has long been a program rich with potential—marked by moments of brilliance, grit, and undeniable talent. I am fully aware of the legacy and pride that surround this institution, and I am here to reignite that fire." - expressed Alex Dankwa

Danwka arrives at York with coaching and student-athlete experience at the NCAA and NJCAA Division III levels, as well as contributing to athletic and academic success in club and high school settings.

"We are excited to welcome Alex Dankwa to York College as the new head coach of our cross country and track & field programs.  Throughout the search process, Alex stood out based on his passion for the sport and his deep commitment to the student-athlete experience. As a former Division III student-athlete, his experience along with his high standards of excellence, both in the classroom and in competition, and his clear vision for the future of the program were the perfect fit as we look to rebuild York's tradition of success in cross country and track & field. His leadership, dedication, and positivity will be instrumental as we continue to support our student-athletes and increase the competitiveness of our cross country and track & field programs." - said Carl Christian

Dankwa broke into the NCAA Division I ranks at Niagara University, serving as head sprints coach and assistant men's and women's cross country coach for the Purple Eagles during the 2021–22 season. On the track, Dankwa guided the team to a seventh-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Northeast Regionals and a fifth-place showing at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Outdoor Track & Field Qualifiers. Under his leadership, Niagara set a school record in the 100-meter hurdles and posted three Top-10 program marks in the 100-meter hurdles, 400 meters, and 800 meters. Dankwa also emphasized academic achievement, with 14 student-athletes earning MAAC All-Academic honors in Fall 2021 and 15 more in Spring 2022.

"I have dedicated my career to building student-athletes not only into champions on the track but also into leaders, scholars, and role models off it. Leading this program means I am responsible for creating a foundation where accountability, discipline, and team unity are non-negotiable." -  noted Dankwa

Prior to his time at Niagara, Dankwa returned to his alma mater, Mohawk Valley Community College, in 2019 to assist with the men's and women's sprints and relays. During the indoor season, five of his athletes earned podium finishes, and the team posted a 3.52 grade-point average—the third-highest among all athletic programs at the college.

Dankwa starred at Mohawk Valley Community College, where he was crowned the 2015 NJCAA Indoor Region III 60m champion. He also contributed to a school-record-setting indoor 4x400m relay team and placed sixth in the 100m dash at the NJCAA National Championships. In addition to competing in both indoor and outdoor track and field from 2015-16, Dankwa ran the 2015 season as a member of the cross country team.  He later transferred to Buffalo State University, where he competed for two seasons (2021, 2023) in indoor and outdoor track & field and one season (2021) in cross country, while earning his bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness in 2023.

From 2022-24, From 2022 to 2024, Dankwa coached at Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo, serving as head boys' track & field coach and assistant coach for the girls' team. During his tenure, Dankwa helped produce 19 Section VI qualifiers, guided athletes to seven podium finishes across the 2023–24 indoor and outdoor seasons, and oversaw the breaking of 11 school records. In the classroom, his student-athletes achieved a 3.78 GPA—the highest among all sports teams at the school.

Always eager to help others, the Bronx native began his coaching career in 2016 as a volunteer with the Bronx-based club Eclipse Track & Field, instructing athletes aged 8 to 18 across two cross-country and track seasons. During the 2017 season, two runners earned podium finishes at the USA Track & Field (USATF) Region I qualifiers, while athletes in the 13-14 and 18-19 age divisions competed at the USATF Junior Olympic Qualifiers.

A graduate of The Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School in Brooklyn, Dankwa competed in notable events throughout his scholastic career, including the 2010 New York Road Runners (NYRR) Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden, New Balance Indoor Nationals (2012, 2013), the 2012 USATF Junior Olympics, New Balance Outdoor Nationals (2013), the 2013 New York Diamond League Adidas Grand Prix USA vs. the World (High School Boys), and the Penn Relays.

As a New York City resident, Dankwa adds value to his programs through certifications in Strength and Conditioning from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and Therapeutic Arts Life Coaching from Transformation Services Incorporated.

"I will be recruiting and developing student-athletes who are hungry for growth, who represent the values of York College, and who are ready to challenge limits every day. Most importantly, it means cultivating a program that our campus, alumni, and community can be proud of. I am here to restore York's position as a championship-caliber program—not just in words, but in action, in results, and in the legacy we leave behind. It is time to build something great, and I could not be more excited to lead that charge." - added Dankwa

Since 2022, Dankwa has successfully led teams at LA Fitness in Buffalo and Blink Fitness in New York City, enhancing team performance, member engagement, and retention through strategic leadership and community-driven initiatives.

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