Alvernia University Athletics

Track and Field Events: Distance

Joe McCool, Head Coach
E-mail: Coach McCool

Joe McCool joined the Alvernia College staff in the summer of 2002. He is now going into his 9th season with Alvernia (2011). His reputaion preceeded him to his position as leader of both the Men's and Women's program at Alvernia. Mention the name Joe McCool to anyone connected to Berks County running and the chances are they will recognize the name. For six years in the 80’s McCool served as a member and officer of the Reading Athletic Attic Track Club. During that time McCool organized several developmental meets at Kutztown University and Muhlenberg High School. He has also organized and directed the Polar Bear Race in Shillington.

McCool’s college running career spanned the mid to late 70’s. He began as the co-captain of the Millersville University Cross Country Team from 1974-75. While running for the Marauders, the cross country team placed in the top three twice in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Team Championship and finished in the top ten at the Division III Nationals. Individually, McCool finished tenth in the six mile race at the national event.

From 1976-1980, McCool served as the captain of the cross country and track teams at Penn State Berks Campus. While at Berks, the cross country team placed third in the NJCAA Championships. McCool received honorable mention All-American in the six mile race at the NJCAA Track Championships.

Upon completion of his college career, McCool obtained the distinction of being the top distance runner on road and track in Berks County. He has also competed in 24 Boston Marathons since 1977 with a career best time of 2:24:40, missing the Olympic Trials by just 50 seconds.