Sept. 5, 2006

ORONO, Maine - University of Maine Athletic Director Blake James announced today that Jim Ballinger has retired as head coach of the men's and women's track and field and cross country programs. Ballinger is the longest-tenured coach at Maine, having joined the coaching staff in 1968. He will remain with the program as a part-time assistant coach working with the sprinters. Mark Lech, who has been an assistant coach at Maine since 1998, will take over as head coach of the program.

"While we are going to miss Jim's leadership of our track program, I am confident that Mark Lech is ready for this challenge," said James. "We appreciate Jim's hard work over the years building our track and cross country programs to what they are today. His longevity and commitment to the program are an asset to the University of Maine and we are glad he will continue on a part-time basis. The program will have a smooth transition to Mark this season."

Ballinger graduated from Maine in 1966 after a stand-out career with the track team, including winning the Yankee Conference title in the high and intermediate hurdles. He joined the coaching staff in 1968 as an assistant coach. In 1973, he was named head coach of the men's cross country program, and has been head coach of the women's indoor and outdoor track programs since their inception in 1976 and 1981, respectively. He coached the women's cross country team from 1977 to 1994.

In 1992, he led the men's cross country and the indoor track teams to the Eastern Collegiate Championship. The women's track team won the 2003 New England Championship, while the 2004 men's cross country team won the America East Championship. Ballinger has received numerous coaching awards, including conference cross country coach of the year in 1992, 1994 and 2004.

Lech joined the Maine coaching staff in 1998 following fifteen years as a student-athlete and coach at Northeastern University. At Maine he has primarily coached the men's and women's cross country teams, in addition to middle distance and distance runners in track. He led the men's cross country team to a second place America East finish in 2002 and a conference title in 2004.

At Northeastern, Lech was a two-time All-American, placing second in the nation in 1978 and third in 1977 in the 800 meters. He also competed in the 1980 Olympic Trials in the 800 meters. He was involved with the Huskies cross country and track and field programs in various roles from 1987 to 1998. As head coach of the men's cross country team, Northeastern won ten conference championships and were leading contenders at the New England Championships each year.

The cross country season begins on September 15 with a home meet against New Hampshire. Maine will host the America East Championships on October 28. For more information on University of Maine athletics, please visit www.GoBlackBears.com.