RINDGE, N. H. (3/7/25) – After 13 seasons at the helm, head men's and women's cross country and track & field coach Zach Emerson has announced his resignation, effective March 21, to take a position at New England College, Franklin Pierce University announced on March 7, 2025. 

Since taking over the program, Emerson has guided the Ravens to unprecedented success at the conference, regional, and national levels. Under his leadership, Franklin Pierce secured an NCAA Division II National Championship, 19 All-American honors, and 62 NCAA Championship participants. The Ravens also earned 103 NCAA Track & Field National Qualifying Marks and crowned 156 Conference Champions, solidifying the program's reputation as one of the top in the region. 

The program flourished under Emerson's guidance, amassing 14 All-New England titles, 109 All-New England awards, and over 349 All-Conference Team recognitions. Additionally, 32 athletes were named Regional or Conference Athlete of the Year, while eight were recognized as Regional or Conference Rookie of the Year. His dedication to academic and athletic excellence is further reflected in the program's 299 USTFCCCA All-Region Awards, 77 USTFCCCA National All-Academic Awards, and 41 teams earning USTFCCCA National All-Academic Team honors. 

"Zach has done a tremendous job building our program since its inception, and we are all proud of what he has accomplished here at Franklin Pierce," said Athletic Director Matt Johnson. "He formed and has sustained a culture of excellence within his program and has always represented FPU in the right way. Our program is in the great position it is now due to Zach and his staff's efforts. We wish Zach the best in his next chapter and are sure he will accomplish great things at New England College." 

With Emerson's departure, Associate Head Coach Kyle Williams has been named Interim Director of Track and Field/Cross Country. Williams, a 2008 Franklin Pierce graduate, has been a key member of the coaching staff for over 12 years, specializing in sprints, hurdles, and relays. His expertise played a pivotal role in securing the program's first-ever national title, and his experience will be invaluable as he steps into the interim head coach role. Supporting Williams through this transition will be a strong coaching staff, including Rich Hart, Connor Everidge, and Robert Boardman, each of whom has played an essential role in the program's success and will continue to provide stability and leadership for the student-athletes. 

"We are excited to name Kyle Williams our Interim Head Coach to lead us through our outdoor season," Johnson added. "Kyle has earned this opportunity, and we are looking forward to working with him in this capacity." 

A national search is underway for the next permanent head coach of the track and field and cross-country programs.