NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University athletic director Colin Sullivan announces the promotion of Rob McGuinness to head coach of the Seahawk men's and women's cross country programs. McGuinness, an assistant for the past two seasons with cross country and track & field, succeeds former head coach Dave Kraszewski.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the men's and women's cross country teams at Salve Regina University," McGuinness expressed. "I appreciate the vote of confidence from Colin Sullivan and the athletic administration."

"Our program made tremendous progress under Coach Kraszewski's guidance, and I look forward to building on the success that we have achieved in recent years. Both teams have a very bright future."

Last season, the Seahawk women's team had first-place finishes in four of their first five scoring meets, headlined by a dynamic freshmen duo of Amy Irving (Bohemia, N.Y.) and Victoria Varone (Providence, R.I.). The Seahawk men's team also had an influx of freshmen contributors while finishing as high as third in three different meets, including a best-ever at the conference championships. McGuinness helped lead the squad to a 15-spot improvement at the ECAC championships last fall.

Academically, Aubrey Palmquist (Bristol, Conn.) and Ben Campbell (Carolina, R.I.) lead their respective teams in grade point average while the Seahawk cross country programs contributed 14 student-athletes to the 2013 Fall CCC All-Academic Team.

"I could not ask for a more dedicated group of athletes," added McGuinness. "I have enjoyed working with the distance runners – and running many, many miles with them – over the last two years. Their hard work has already yielded impressive results, and I can't wait to see what we will accomplish together."

McGuinness continues to work with distance runners on the Salve Regina women's track & field squad this spring.

McGuinness received a bachelor's degree in communications from Marist College in 2004 and went on to earn a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2005. While at Marist, he served for two years as manager of the men's cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. He is a graduate of Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn., where he was a member of the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. He holds an adult distance running coaching certification from the Road Runners Club of America and a Level 1 coaching certification from USA Track & Field.

Currently, McGuinness works as the manager of e-Communications at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., where he edits the company's intranet news site, maintains the company's social media accounts and provides general editorial support. Prior to joining Pratt & Whitney, he worked as sports editor of The Middletown Press in Middletown, Conn., where he'd also worked as a copy editor and general assignment reporter.

McGuinness resides in Portland, Conn., with his wife, Jen.