Ricardo Santos, the B.A.A. High perforrmance coach since February 2018, has taken the distance coach position at Stanford University. Morgan Uceny, one of our top former U.S. middle distance runners, who has been the core training coach for B.A.A. High Performance team, is taking over as interim head coach.
We wish Ricardo Santos the best of luck at Stanford, one of our favorite programs, and we look forward to seeing Morgan Uceny in her new role!
Morgan Uceny takes B.A.A. mile, April 2014, photo by PhotoRun.net
B.A.A. ANNOUNCES COACHING CHANGES TO HIGH PERFORMANCE TEAM
BOSTON, Mass. – The Boston Athletic Association today announced coaching changes to the B.A.A. High Performance team. Ricardo Santos, head coach of the B.A.A. High Performance team since February of 2018, has accepted a position as distance running coach at Stanford University, and will begin his new position in September. Morgan Uceny, a 2012 Olympian at 1,500-meters, has been named interim head coach of the B.A.A. High Performance team as the organization begins a search for the next coach.
“Since launching the B.A.A. High Performance program in 2013, we have been very pleased with the team’s direction and the progression of our athletes,” said B.A.A. CEO, Tom Grilk. “We thank Ric for his excellent work with us as he joins Stanford, and wish him well in all of his future running endeavors. Ric’s coaching expertise leaves us in a great position for years to come.”
Under Santos, members of the B.A.A. High Performance team raced to a national title at the USATF 15K championships; earned podium finishes at USATF Championships on the roads and in indoor track; and spots on Team USA rosters for the Pan-American Games and IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.
Grilk continued: “We are excited to have Morgan Uceny lead the program in the interim. Throughout her career, Uceny was a fierce competitor with experience racing at the national and international level.”
Uceny, a three-time winner of the B.A.A. Invitational Mile and three-time USA Track & Field national champion, will increase her role with the B.A.A. High Performance team as interim coach. Uceny was the first American woman since 1985 to be ranked No. 1 by Track & Field News at 1,500-meters, holding the top spot in 2011. For over a year, Uceny has assisted the B.A.A. High Performance team with a focus on strength, conditioning, and training programs. The B.A.A. will continue to search for the next head coach of the High Performance team.
The B.A.A. High Performance team supports American runners on their way towards making international teams, with the goal of competing at the highest level: the Olympic Games, IAAF World Championships, and Abbott World Marathon Majors. The B.A.A. is sponsored by adidas, which provides comprehensive support for the running club, Team B.A.A., and its events.
The B.A.A. extends its appreciation to Coach Santos in enhancing the program’s stature among the country’s leading post-collegiate running programs. For more information on the B.A.A.’s High Performance team, please visit www.TeamBAA.org.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND ITS HIGH PERFORMANCE TEAM
Established in 1887, the B.A.A. is a non-profit organization committed to running and has played an integral role in the support and development of the sport throughout the United States since its inception. From fielding athletes who competed at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 through those who compete in the Boston Marathon and the B.A.A.’s other road races, year-round events and programs, the pursuit of excellence in middle and long distance running has stood at the fore of the organization. The B.A.A. seeks to continue the development of world-class athletes who will compete at national championships, Olympics, and Abbott World Marathon Majors races.
