VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- Colby DelBene of Forest, Virginia, has been named Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Director of Track & Field at Virginia Wesleyan University, according to Cameia Alexander, VWU Director of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field.
Prior to joining Virginia Wesleyan, DelBene spent the last six seasons as the head coach of Jefferson Forest High School in Forest, VA. He led the transformation of the Cavaliers to annual statewide contenders, winning the state championship title in 2020.
"Colby is one of the bright young coaches in the profession," said Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at VWU. "As a former NCAA Division I cross country and track standout and additional experience as a Division III and prep coach, he brings much to the program and we look forward to him joining the Marlin Family."
"I thank Ms. Hoover-Erbig and Coach Alexander for this opportunity," DeBene said. "The University's location in Coastal Virginia, the beautiful campus and academic reputation, and the new facilities, make this an ideal opportunity."
In addition to his experience as a high school coach, DelBene served as an assistant at the University of Lynchburg during the 2015-2016 season. He also assisted with the planning and meet management for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championship meet.
DelBene competed on the NCAA Division I cross country and track programs at Central Connecticut State University. While competing for the Blue Devils, DelBene won the 2012 Northeast Conference Cross Country Championship race en route to leading his team to its fourth consecutive team victory. During the 2012 indoor track season he placed first at the NEC Championship meet in the mile run and helped his team finish first in the distance medley relay. For the 2012 outdoor track season, DelBene placed second in the 1,500 and 5,000 meter runs. DelBene also served as team captain his junior and senior seasons.
DelBene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Central Connecticut State University and received his Masters in Teaching from Liberty University. His wife, Renee, and two sons, Miles (11) and Landon (7) are excited to join the extended Marlin family.
During his tenure at Jefferson Forest, he also assisted the middle school teams. The girls finished the 2019 season second in the state, while the boys placed third. DelBene coached 13 cross country runners to All-State honors, as well as competitors in the men's 800m run, men's 1,600m run, women's 1,000m run, women's 1,600m run, and the women's 4x800 relay team.
Constructed in 2018, the Marlins compete at the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center, an eight-lane outdoor track and field facility designed for the Marlins track & field programs. Virginia Wesleyan University competes in the NCAA Division III and is a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
--- This release is courtesy of the Virginia Wesleyan University athletic communications department. ---
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