The York College athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Erick Camodeca as the head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs. Camodeca, who has been at the helm of the men’s track & field squad for the previous three campaigns, becomes the school’s seventh full-time head coach.

“Overall, I’m excited,” Camodeca, the reigning Capital Athletic Conference Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year, said. “This is something that needed to happen. This is what is best for both the track & field and cross country programs – men’s and women’s – so that they can reach their potential.”

Sean Sulllivan, York’s Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation, echoed Camodeca’s sentiment of the need for this position.

“This is a very significant move for the College, bringing full-time coaching and mentorship to an increasingly large number of student-athletes,” Sullivan commented. “This full-time presence and guidance can only support program growth, competitive improvements, and personal development.”

During his three seasons leading the men’s side, Camodeca has guided the Green and White to 20 All-CAC performances including four titles – three of which were captured this season. On the strength of the Spartans’ three titles in 2010, as well as their noted improvement as a program, Camodeca was chosen by his peers as the league Coach of the Year, York’s first such selection since former head coach Rich Achtzehn garnered the accolade in both the 1991 and 1992 seasons.

“Coach Camodeca has been a significant asset for our department since his arrival three years ago,” Sullivan continued. “The quick assent of men’s track & field team to the upper echelon of the CAC only proves his ability to effectively recruit, instruct, and guide our student-athletes.”

Entering his newly expanded role, Camodeca is confident that the transition will yield success.

“A majority of the student-athletes on the team know me, know what to expect,” Camodeca remarked. “Obviously there are always challenges when it comes to a transition of this nature, but my involvement over the previous three years with each of the programs will hopefully allow for outstanding results.”

York’s 2010 cross country campaign officially gets underway on Saturday, September 11, when the Spartans travel to Annville, Pa. for the Lebanon Valley College Invitational.  The Spartans are also scheduled to host the 2011 CAC Track & Field Championship in the spring outdoor season.