News Summary

Western Kentucky University (WKU) has welcomed Lee Wood as the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. With a solid coaching background, Wood aims to continue WKU’s athletic excellence, following a successful interim stint where he guided the Hilltopper men’s team to impressive finishes. His track record spans multiple successful coaching roles, showcasing his commitment to athlete development and team success. With a focus on innovation and tradition, Wood is set to lead WKU’s athletics into a bright future.

Bowling Green Welcomes Lee Wood as New Director of Cross Country and Track & Field

In an exciting chapter for athletics at Western Kentucky University (WKU), Bowling Green has officially welcomed Lee Wood as the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. This announcement was made on June 9, 2025, by WKU’s Director of Athletics, Todd Stewart. With a rich coaching background and a passion for the sport, Wood is primed to carry on the legacy of excellence at WKU.

A New Beginning

Lee Wood took on the role of interim head coach back on January 31, 2025, following the unfortunate passing of Coach Brent Chumbley just a day prior. While stepping into such big shoes was daunting, Wood’s leadership shined through this past season. Under his guidance, the Hilltopper men’s team soared to a fifth-place finish at the Conference USA Outdoor Championships, marking their best achievement since 2019 and signaling a promising path forward.

Capping off a successful season, Wood saw four Hilltopper men qualify for the NCAA East Preliminaries, an elite competitive stage. These dedicated athletes included Kaison Barton in the hammer throw, Kameron Horton in both the 100 and 200 meters, Van Thrasher in the 110-meter hurdles, and Sterling Weldon in the long jump. Their hard work and perseverance paid off, and it’s clear that under Wood’s watchful eye, the team is on the rise!

Cross Country Success

The momentum didn’t stop with the track team. In the previous fall, Wood coached Kinley Kunkel and Mary Dye to standout seasons, earning them all-conference honors and berths at the NCAA Regionals in cross country. These achievements exemplify Wood’s exceptional coaching ability and his strong commitment to his athletes, ensuring they have every opportunity to excel.

A Proven Track Record

Before his stint at WKU, Lee Wood built an impressive coaching resume. He kicked off his career at the high school level, guiding Rogers High School and Heritage High School to incredible success, including a remarkable seven state championships in just 12 years and clinching a Triple Crown in 2005 at Rogers High School. His ability to foster talent quickly garnered attention across various levels of competition.

Wood previously held the head coach position at Western Colorado University, recognized as an NCAA Division II powerhouse in distance running. As an assistant there, he played a pivotal role in coaching over 25 All-Americans and even helped produce individual national champions, which included a standout distance medley relay team that claimed the national title in 2018. Quite the impressive feat!

Leading the Way at Drury University

In 2021, Wood took on the role of head men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach at Drury University. It was here that he led his students to shatter more than 70 school records! His leadership turned the women’s team into runner-up finishers and propelled the men’s team to a third-place finish in their conference, marking the highest placements in the university’s history. A real game changer for Drury!

While coaching at Drury, Wood also nurtured talent into three All-Americans: Claire McCune in cross country, Katie McCune in both indoor and outdoor 800 meters, and Bradley Weimer, who also clinched a conference championship in 2022, showcasing Wood’s knack for spotting and refining top-tier athletes.

Excited for the Future

As Wood steps into his new role at WKU, he has expressed every bit of enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead. He is committed to building on WKU’s successful tradition in athletics and inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams.

With a solid educational background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Education focused on Kinesiology and Exercise Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from the University of Arkansas, Wood is not just a coach but an educational leader.

Residing in Bowling Green with his wife, Sara, and their four children, Woodrow, Hunter, Braden, and Iris, it’s clear that his roots are deep in this community. As the new era of WKU Cross Country and Track & Field kicks off, there is no denying that under Lee Wood’s leadership, a thrilling journey awaits!

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