05/19/2008
Perrone Named Head Cross Country Coach

WORCESTER, MASS. 05/19/08 - Clark University Athletic Director Linda Moulton has announced the hiring of Mark Perrone as the University's new head cross country coach, on Monday.

Perrone, who officially begins his duties August 15, has spent the past 10 years as an assistant and/or head coach at the high school and collegiate level. Prior to Clark, the Worcester native directed the cross country and track and field teams at Assumption College (1997-2006), where he was awarded the Reverend Joseph Pelletier Memorial Award for Service to the Athletic Department in 2000. In fact, Perrone was led to Clark by one of his former student-athletes and the Cougars' current assistant cross country coach, Louis Cote.

"Louis is one of the main reasons why Im here," said Perrone. "The more he told me about Clark and the program, the more interested I became."

"The team has a fire in their belly and there is a lot of support here," he added. "It feels like a new beginning. I am very glad to be on board."

A former marathon runner, Perrone also enjoyed stints as a part-time coach with the Central Mass. Striders Running club, assistant for the St. John's High School cross country program and associate head coach for St. Peter Marian's track and field team.

Additionally, Peronne served as president and co-founder of Athletic and Fitness Specialist International, which provided sport specific athletic and fitness services in the central and metro-west areas of Massachusetts.

In addition to coaching at Clark, Perrone will continue his work with the Central Mass. Striders group.