COMMERCE  – Texas A&M University-Commerce Director of Athletics Tim McMurray announced today that George Pincock has been named Head Track & Field / Cross Country Coach, effective December 1.
 
"George Pincock is absolutely the right institutional fit to lead our Lion track & field and cross country programs," McMurray said.  "Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to spend time with George discussing our 'Best in Class' experience, communicating with student-athletes, and consulting our executive leadership team and President Keck. Across the board, he checked all boxes to lead our program now and into the future.  We are fortunate that he and Aftan will continue to be part of the Lion family."
 
Pincock has served as Interim Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach since late October. He joined the Lions one year ago as an assistant coach, and his impact has already been felt, as he helped the Lions claim the 2016 Lone Star Conference Indoor Track & Field Championship on the men's side with the largest margin of victory in conference history. The women's team set a new team point record at the 2016 indoor championships. Seven student-athletes advanced to the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, with Ricky Romero (800 meters) and Devontae Steele (long jump) earning the Lions' first indoor track & field national championships. The men's team finished eighth nationally at the indoor meet. 13 student-athletes earned all-region honors in the indoor season.
 
In the 2016 outdoor track & field season, the Lion men finished 19th nationally and six Lion events earned All-American status. The Lion men finished third in the LSC championship, with the women's team taking fourth. Three Lions claimed individual conference championships. The Lions also excelled in the classroom with three LSC All-Academic honorees and nine USTFCCCA All-Academic honorees.

"I want to thank President Keck, Tim McMurray, Judy Sackfield and the rest of the athletics staff here at Texas A&M University-Commerce," Pincock said. "I am honored and privileged to continue here at A&M-Commerce in this new role. I am committed to providing a best in class experience for student-athletes, while honoring the rich tradition and championship culture."

The Lions are coming off a pair of strong finishes at the Lone Star Conference Cross Country Championships, which were hosted by A&M-Commerce at Centennial Park. The men's team was the conference runner-up for its highest finish since 1993, while the women's team finished seventh. Terra Truitt and Turner Pool were named the LSC Academic Runners of the Year, and each also finished as all-conference runners. The Lions are now preparing for the Indoor Track & Field season, with their first meets in Pittsburg, Kan., in early December.

"I am pleased that Coach Pincock has accepted the position as Head Track and Field Coach," said Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success and Senior Woman Administrator Judy Sackfield. "He brings not only experience to this position but a total person approach to each and every student-athlete.  I am confident that he will continue to move the Track & Field/Cross Country program in a positive direction both athletically and academically."