DENVER – Former RMAC standout Willie Moore has been hired by Regis University to lead the Ranger cross country and track & field programs. A former coach and standout at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Moore returns to the RMAC after spending a year on the staff at Colgate University.
"We expect great things from Coach Moore," said Director of Athletics Tommy Gilhooly. "His experience as a former RMAC student-athlete and coach positions him well to help build a program that will be meaningful and competitive in the near future. His dedication to the overall student-athlete experience is in alignment with our faith, mission, and servant-led expectations. He cares deeply about his relationship with his student-athletes, his peers, and his place here at the university. These are exciting times to be a Ranger in the cross country and track & field programs!"
Moore is a UCCS graduate where he captained his cross country team to a 12th-place finish at the 2018 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. He also set a school record in the men's outdoor 3,000 Meters and was an All-RMAC performer in the 1,500 Meters and the Mile in 2019. In the classroom, Moore earned a degree in Economics and was a RMAC Academic Honor Roll recipient in both 2017 and 2018 and was on the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team in 2018.
After graduating, Moore immediately joined the coaching ranks and worked as an Assistant Coach at UCCS and Discovery Canyon High School between 2019 and 2023. At UCCS, he focused on coaching middle distance, recruiting, budget planning, and home meet directing. During his time there, the men's cross country program finished fifth nationally at the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships and the women's team was fourth nationally a year later. Afewerki Zeru was a national champion in the 5,000 Meters at the 2022 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships and was third in the nation in the 10,000 Meters.
Continuing to train after college, Moore has self-coached himself to personal bests of a 4:04 mile, 14:02 5k, and 65:47 half marathon.
This past year, Moore moved to the Division I level at Colgate University. Both Raider cross country programs had their best finishes at the Patriot League Championships in 11 years and Dakin Ebmeyer set a freshman mile record of 4:07.
"I am exhilarated to lead Regis Cross Country and Track and Field," said Moore. "I'm deeply grateful to Athletic Director, Tommy Gilhooly, and Deputy Director of Athletics, Brian Loftus, for this opportunity. I aspire to build upon former Coach Evan Verbal's tremendous work. Coaching Regis is an amalgamation of two of my greatest passions: helping humans and cross country/track and field. I cannot wait to get started!"
Moore began his duties at Regis on July 22 and the complete men's and women's cross country schedule will be announced next week.
