Name: Kevin Wanichko
Position: Head coach, men's and women's cross country and track and field.
Years at Saint Vincent: Seven.
Undergraduate Alma Mater/Year: Saint Vincent College, C'12
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communication
College Playing Experience: Four years of both cross country and track and field at Saint Vincent.
Graduate Degree/Alma Mater: MBA in Sports Management / California (Pa.); Currently pursing Ph.D. in Sport Management from Troy University.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in coaching?
There are two reasons that standout as to why I choose to pursue a career in athletics. The first being the lasting impact you can have on student-athletes' lives. The second being I enjoyed my four years at Saint Vincent College, and I knew I wanted to make others' experiences in college athletics as special as it was for myself.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Getting to watch my athletes achieve the goals they set out for each season is my favorite part of the job. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing them with a smile on their face and achieving something they didn't think was possible.
What makes Saint Vincent an enjoyable place to coach?
Saint Vincent College is a very special place in my heart because I am an alumni. What I enjoy most about working at Saint Vincent are the people in the community and the student-athletes I am fortunate enough to coach. The biggest joy of the job from a work standpoint is that I am lucky enough to do it with my wife, Genie, beside me, as she is an assistant on the staff.
Favorite movie?
"Back to the Future."
Favorite food?
Stuffing.
Favorite band/singer?
Luke Combs.
Favorite restaurant?
Don Patron in Latrobe.
What is something that most people don't realize goes into coaching track and cross country?
The prep work and recruiting. I spend hours and hours of prepping for a season and for meets. Recruiting is a sport all by itself - people just think athletes show up and want to participate in a sport. It's countless hours of communication with each prospective athlete.
Proudest coaching accomplishment?
I have been fortunate enough to coach athletes to school records, conference championships, and national championship berths.
Who is a coach that you look up to?
I will always look up to the two people that changed my life and gave me this opportunity, Dr. Andrew Herr and the late Coach Steve Snider.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-meet rituals?
I don't believe in superstitions, I believe in being prepared and giving your best effort.
Why should a student-athlete consider attending Saint Vincent College?
You are going to find a college with a special community of people that will help you grow into the best version of yourself. In your athletic endeavors at Saint Vincent you will have the opportunity to compete for a program rich in tradition. We regularly compete against Division I, II, and III programs, giving athletes every opportunity to achieve success.
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