Ward Berndt

WINONA, Minn. — For the first time in 14 years, the Saint Mary's University cross country teams will have a new man at the helm when they kick off their 2005 season.

And Monday afternoon, SMU athletic director Chris Kendall officially handed over the reigns to Ward Berndt.

"We're excited about keeping Ward as a part of our athletic department and are confident that he will do a great job," said Kendall, who added that along with his head coach duties, Berndt will remain an assistant for the men's and women's track teams. "Ward did a great job as an assistant (cross country coach) last year and we're looking for more of the same from him as the teams' head coach."

Berndt replaces John Skemp, who, after 14 years, stepped down as the Cardinals' head coach in late January.

"I am definitely excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for myself and the program," said Berndt, who, prior to his arrival at SMU last fall, spent two years at Minnesota State-Mankato. "Saint Mary's has one of the best cross country training environments in the midwest with our on-campus trails, and I am looking forward to utilizing these assets as we work to continue to build our cross country programs."

Prior to his stint as Minnesota State-Mankato, Berndt spent seven years at UW-River Falls as a men’s and women’s cross country coach and an assistant in the women's track and field program. While at UW-RF, he helped guide the women’s track and field team to an eighth-place finish at the NCAA Division III national championships.

As an athlete, Berndt was a captain and four-year letterwinner in both cross country and track and field at UW-River Falls.

Berndt currently holds a Level I coaching certification from USA Track and Field.