After guiding the Benedictine University men's and women's track and field teams since 2008, head coach James Kluckhohn has stepped down to take an administrative position at North Central College.

Kluckhohn, a graduate of UW-La Crosse, created a program of consistent competitiveness in the Northern Athletics College Conference, culminating with the Benedictine men winning consecutive outdoor NACC titles in 2012 and 2013. Kluckhohn earned conference coach of the year each of those seasons. The past two years, the men's program qualified two individuals for the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Billy Sipek earned Indoor All-American honors in 2014 under the guidance of Kluckhohn.

"I want to thank Mark McHorney, Marco Masini and President Carroll for the opportunity to be a part of Benedictine University these past six plus years," Kluckhohn said. "This has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work alongside a committed staff.  The decision to change my career path is aimed at a better balance for our family.  I want to thank all the athletes who are and have been a part of Benedictine University Track & Field for their hard work and support.  There is a bright future for these current student-athletes and the Track & Field program."

On three occasions during Kluckhohn's tenure, Benedictine hosted the outdoor conference championships. The women's program improved each year over the last three outdoor seasons, finishing as the runner-up in 2014. The men's program never finished outside of the top five during the seven years Kluckhohn served as head coach.

"The University cannot thank James enough for his leadership of our track & field programs," said Benedictine Director of Athletics Mark McHorney. "The leadership and dedication to the students experience at Benedictine is what sets him apart from others. James has been instrumental in building the foundation for our programs success. This foundation will allow our programs to reach new heights as we set out to establish our program in the national picture."

Kluckhohn guided many athletes on the men's and women's side to individual titles indoors and outdoors. Student athletes have set four indoor conference records along with three championship meet records with the number increasing to seven each outdoors. Benedictine swept the outdoor Field Athlete of the Meet award in 2014 with Eric Kennebrew and Megan Malone. Kennebrew also earned the award indoors. Overall, two women earned Field Athlete of the Meet outdoors along with two men under the guidance of Kluckhohn.

"We will remain committed to our strategy of establishing our track & field / cross country programs nationally," McHorney added.

A national search for new leadership is underway.