Lou Snelling Signs Five-Year Extension as Director of Cross Country and Track & Field

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe has announced that Lou Snelling, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, has signed a five-year contract extension. The agreement extends Snelling's tenure through June 2030.

"For more than 14 years, Lou Snelling has played a vital role in the success of BGSU Athletics," said van der Merwe. "He has built a culture that values excellence, teamwork, and integrity, while helping our student-athletes reach their full potential. We're excited to continue benefiting from his leadership and look forward to all that's ahead for the program under his direction."

"I'm incredibly honored to continue leading the Cross Country and Track & Field programs at Bowling Green State University," said Lou Snelling. "Over the past 14 years, we've seen consistent growth culminating in this spring's MAC Championship victories. That success reflects the dedication and belief of our student-athletes, staff, and the broader university community."

"I'm deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering support, and to Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe, along with President Rodney K. Rogers, for their leadership and belief in our vision. I feel a deep sense of purpose about our program's future."

Since taking the helm in the 2011–12 season, Snelling has transformed the Bowling Green Cross Country and Track & Field programs. At the start of his tenure, the teams placed last at both the MAC and NCAA Regional Cross Country Championships and scored only one point at the MAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Snelling's leadership, consistent development and vision culminated in a historic 2025 season. The Falcons captured their first MAC Indoor title since 1999 and first Outdoor championship since 1981. It marked the first time in school history both titles were won in the same year, and the first time in MAC history a women's-only program achieved this feat. Snelling was named MAC Coach of the Year both seasons and earned USTFCCCA Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year honors for the outdoor season.

The 2025 campaign saw Falcons win seven All-MAC performers during the indoor season and six in outdoor. Snelling coached Reese Reaman to MAC Indoor Freshman of the Year honors, oversaw the program break a combined eight program records and notch thirty-nine individual top ten performances in school history. Trista Fintel earned MAC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors.

A program-record six individuals in seven events also qualified for the NCAA East Regional meet in 2025.

Snelling also helped develop standout athlete Kylee Cubbison, who broke five program records. She earned First-Team All-MAC honors in both indoor and outdoor seasons, competing in the 1500m at the NCAA East Regional.

Beyond athletic success, Snelling's programs have excelled academically. The women's cross country team earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors in 13 of his 14 seasons, with GPAs of 3.91 in 2023 and 3.97 in 2024—the highest among all Division I women's cross country programs. The track & field program has received the same honor every year under his leadership.

Snelling holds a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in political science and history from the University of Central Florida. Running for the Knights, he competed in cross country and track, served as team captain, and earned all-conference honors.

He is married to April Vitori, who also competed for the UCF cross country and track teams. The couple resides in Bowling Green with their two children, Louie and Madie.

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