When the 2011-2012 school year ended, new coaches were announced within the Athletic department. Coach Duane Ross, director of track and field programs, is the newest addition to Aggie Athletic’s coaching staff.

Coach Ross replaced former head coach James Daniels, who took over the program last December, with big plans for the program at A&T. He hails as a graduate of Clemson State University, seven time All-American, five time ACC champion, and competed in the 2004 Olympics held in Athens, Greece. With a total of 10 years coaching experience, Coach Ross most recently coached at Methodist College of Fayetteville, N.C. for five years and is ready to share his knowledge with our Aggie track and field athletes.

“Since I’ve been at A&T, I’ve been through three different head coaches. I feel the transition was necessary and it will benefit the team, since there will be a lot of changes in the program,” said Flexia Braswell, sophomore journalism and mass communications major from Detroit, MI.

The goal this season for the track team is to, “mold the athletes into men and women for the real world, change the culture by not just winning the MEAC or being the best HBCU, but being the best period,” said Coach Ross.

Before athletes step on the track, Ross wants students to become successful and compete aggressively in the classroom.

For those who intend to participate in track and field for A&T, Coach Ross is looking for dedicated competitive students with athletic ability to help the team progress. Tryout registration must be completed by Monday, Sept. 3. Tryouts will be held Monday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. on the Aggie stadium track.

–[email protected] and follow @ATRegister on Twitter

• Dekia Virgil, Contributor