Earlier today, long-time Michigan State coach Walt Drenth announced that he is retiring. Lisa Senakiewich will act as the interim head coach for the rest of the academic year while the university conducts a national search for the program's next head coach.
Drenth joined Michigan State as the men's head cross country coach in 2004 and later became the Director of both the men's and women's track and XC teams in 2006.
During his time with the Spartans, Drenth secured numerous accolades, most notably winning the 2014 NCAA XC Championships with the Michigan State women (the program's first national title). He was also named "BIG 10 Coach of the Year" on six separate occasions between cross country and track.
During his tenure, Drenth oversaw the development of 180 All-Americans who come through the Michigan State program.
Drenth is yet another established distance coach who has announced his retirement this year. Other names such as John Goodridge (formerly of Eastern Michigan), James Li (formerly of Arizona) and Norm Ogilvie (formerly of Duke) also announced their retirements earlier this year.
Back in August, Julie Culley (formerly of Georgetown) stepped down from her Director position to take on a new role with Brooks Running.
Drenth's departure leaves behind a significant coaching vacancy which could theoretically have a massive ripple effect throughout the rest of the NCAA should a big-name coach leave their current situation to join the Spartans in East Lansing.