WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University has officially named Michael Guinn II as the head coach of its men's and women's cross country programs, while also serving as an assistant coach for track and field, the university announced today. Guinn had been serving as the interim head coach since August.
"I'm really proud to see Michael step into this new role," said West Liberty University Director of Athletics Brad Forshey. "He's done an outstanding job within our program, and his passion for developing our student-athletes and building a competitive culture is evident in everything he does. Michael has earned this opportunity, and I'm confident he'll continue to elevate our cross country programs."
Guinn has been a key part of West Liberty's program, previously serving as the lead assistant, overseeing distance runners and supporting recruiting and athlete development. He brings more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience, including roles at Bethany College, Seton Hill, and West Virginia Wesleyan.
Guinn began his coaching career at West Virginia Wesleyan College, serving as the associate head coach for track & field and cross country from 2004-08. During his tenure, he was part of one of the WVIAC's most dominant programs, helping the Bobcats capture 11 conference championships, including four women's cross country titles, four women's track & field crowns, two men's track & field championships, and one men's cross country championship.
A standout runner, Guinn competed at Alderson Broaddus (1999-01) and Charleston (2002-03). He began his collegiate career at Philippi, earning three All-WVIAC cross country selections. In 2001, he led Alderson Broaddus to a WVIAC cross country team championship, winning the individual conference title and qualifying for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. At Charleston, he captured back-to-back WVIAC 10,000-meter track titles in 2002 and 2003, earning two NCAA provisional qualifiers. Guinn is also the only runner in WVIAC history to be named All-Region four times.
"I'm thrilled to be named the Head Cross Country / Assistant Track & Field Coach," Guinn said. "I want to thank Athletic Director Brad Forshey for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity. I'm excited to continue building the Cross Country program here at West Liberty University. I'm going into my third year of developing the training for the distance and middle distance programs, and we have experienced a great deal of success during that time."
Guinn earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Business from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2008. He and his wife, Mallory, reside in Follansbee with their two daughters, Caroline and Priscilla.
