ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Lewis University head cross country coach James Kearney is making headlines this summer, in a sport other than cross country. Kearney has been appointed to the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Track and Field Committee. He also was promoted to Associate Head Track Coach at Lewis.
 
"We are incredibly proud of James Kearney for being appointed to the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Track and Field Committee," Vice President of Athletics John Ashaolu said. "This is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership, expertise, and commitment to the growth of collegiate track and field. His voice will be a valuable asset on the national stage, and we're excited to see him represent Lewis University in this capacity."
 
Some of the responsibilities for a NCAA Committee Member include regularly participating in committee meetings and conference calls and being prepared for those calls, Disclose promptly and fully any potential or actual conflicts of interest, and personally maintain exemplary ethical standards and support the consensus of the committee after fully exercising the responsibility to debate and disagree. A committee member is also to serve and advance the NCAA's mission.
 
"I'm excited to share ideas and do my part to enhance the sport of track and field at the Division II level while representing Lewis University," Kearney said. "I am looking forward to making the most of my opportunity to better the experience for all athletes of track and field at the DII level."
 
"It is always a great advantage to have someone from our staff represent the Midwest Region for the track and field committee," Lewis head track and field coach Dana Schwarting said. "Knowing our needs will be addressed and taken into consideration when the NCAA makes decisions about our sport gives me great peace of mind."
 
In addition to his role with the NCAA, Kearney's dedication, commitment and success in helping with the track and field program the past 14 years while leading the cross-country program has led to the promotion.
 
"Watching our program grow in the 14 years I've been here is one of the biggest accomplishments of my career," Kearney said. "I am excited to further expand my role with the program and lend my support to other event groups in a more official capacity."
 
"Adding a title onto James just adds stability to our program and lets all the track and field and cross-country athletes know we are a whole program and we are building this team to be dominant well into the future," Schwarting said.
 
The women's track and field team won their ninth straight outdoor GLVC title as Lewis swept the GLVC outdoor titles this year and the women added their sixth straight GLVC indoor title.