FULTON, Mo. - William Woods University Athletics, Owls Cross Country, and Owls Track and Field are pleased to announce the newest member of the coaching staff, Phillip Guidry. The former long-distance and mid-distance runner for the Owls joins the staff after a stellar coaching career across high school athletics.

"We had a great application process and several outstanding candidates," added Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Spielbauer. "Phil's experience and success throughout his coaching career will be an outstanding asset to William Woods University and our cross country program."

As a head track and field and cross country coach across multiple southern states, Guidry led his teams to four state championships. During that 15-year tenure, he pushed athletes to perform at their absolute best, helping them earn 13 All-American honors and numerous individual state championships. Two of his athletes also advanced to the National Football League.

"I am excited to be returning back to William Woods University now as Head Cross Country and Assistant Track and Field Coach," said Guidry. "My time in Fulton as a student-athlete prepared me to do great things in life in my career. I look forward to building the program and leading the current and future William Woods Owls Cross Country and Track and Field teams to much success."

During his time as an Owl, Guidry was a three-time NAIA National Qualifier in both track and field and cross country. His determination for success on and off the track also earned him recognition on the AMC Champion of Character Team in 2009.

"It is a great honor to have alumnus Phillip Guidry return home," mentioned Head Track and Field Coach Anthony Stockton. "Not only is he exceptionally experienced in long-distance races, but he is also a 10k specialist, which adds much-needed expertise to our staff. He can coach distance, sprints, jumps, and hurdles at a high level, and we are extraordinarily glad to welcome him back to The Woods."

Guidry is slated to lead the distance runners for WWU in the program's second year of Heart of America Athletic Conference competition after an impressive showing from the young Owls squad during its first season in the conference.