Auburn, WA - Green River's plan to restart their cross country program took a big step forward with the announcement that Chris Williams has accepted the role of Head Coach. The Gators last fielded a competitive running squad in the NWAACC during the spring of 1992.

Fresh off the competitor's course from Washington State University, Coach Williams will take the reigns of the first year program in August, but will begin immediately recruiting athletes to fill the roster for the 2008 season. "Coach Williams is highly motivated, energetic, runner who is connected to the local running scene," stated GRCC Athletic Director Bob Kickner. "We have a challenge in front of us to get Green River running again but I expect he is up to the task."

The Federal Way native returns to the South Puget Sound region after competing for WSU Coach Jason Drake for the past three seasons both in cross country and in distance track. Highlighted by a career best 10K time of 30:41.22 in his final run as a Cougar, Williams finished in ninth place at the 2008 Pac 10 championships in the 10K final. A three time Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention in cross country, Williams excelled in the classroom where he majored in Mathematics.

"I am excited about this opportunity that Green River has extended towards me," said Williams. "I have been running in this area for several years now and I know there is much talent in the greater Auburn/Kent area. This is a great opportunity for the Green River campus and the community in to capitalize on the running culture in Washington."

Prior to coming to GRCC, Coach Williams has been coaching in the Federal Way Track Club under Head Coach Daryl Genest.