Men's Cross Country

Lehman College Appoints Michael Francis as New Head Coach for Cross Country and Track & Field

Release courtesy Lehman Athletic Communications

BRONX, N.Y. – Lehman College is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Francis as the new Head Coach for Cross Country and Track & Field. Francis, an accomplished coach with more than a decade of experience developing championship programs and guiding athletes to national prominence, returns to Lehman College where he competed as a student athlete and began his coaching career under legendary coaches Lesley Hogg and Pete Charles. 

Francis brings a proven record of success at the collegiate and high school levels. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Coach for Sprints and Hurdles at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he helped lead athletes to standout performances, including an NCAA Division I East Regional qualifier in the 110m hurdles and a MEAC Indoor Champion in the 60m hurdles.

"Michael Francis is a proven leader who understands what it takes to elevate a program," commented Lehman Director of Athletics Ryan McCarthy. "His track record of building championship teams and developing student-athletes aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Lehman Athletics. We're excited to welcome him back to the Lightning family."

Prior to his time at UMES, Francis transformed Riverdale Country School's running programs into historic powerhouses. Under his leadership, Riverdale captured multiple first-ever championships, including NYSAIS and Ivy League titles in Cross Country and Indoor Track & Field, while producing numerous nationally ranked athletes and state medalists.

Francis also brings Division I experience from Fairleigh Dickinson University and deep familiarity with Lehman College, having previously served as Interim Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the Lightning Track & Field program from 2011 to 2015. During that tenure, Lehman achieved three NCAA Division III individual championships, ten All-American honors, and three CUNYAC team titles.

"I'm thrilled to return to Lehman College and build on its strong legacy in Cross Country and Track & Field," said Francis. "This program shaped me as both a student and a coach, and I'm excited to develop our student-athletes into leaders on and off the track."

Francis, a Bronx native, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Lehman College.

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