2008 Cross Country Coaches

Gary Labonte, from Adrian, Mich., is Bluffton University’s new head men’s and women’s cross country/track and field coach. Labonte was the assistant track and cross country coach at Adrian College in Michigan for two years before accepting the head coaching position at Bluffton.

“I am excited to announce that Gary Labonte will join our athletics program as head cross country and track and field coach for both our men’s and women’s teams,” said Phill Talavinia, athletics director. “Coach Labonte’s NCAA Division II and III coaching experience and his awareness of the high schools in our region and southern Michigan are key elements that will help Bluffton recruit outstanding student-athletes from the area.”

Labonte gained post-season experience as a graduate assistant at the University of Findlay where he mentored 12 sprinters and hurdlers who competed at the NCAA Division II National Championships. All 12 were awarded All-American honors and one was named National Champion.

In addition to athletic performance, Labonte’s teams have a tradition of excelling in the classroom. At Adrian, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams earned national recognition with Academic All-American Honors.

“Coach Labonte’s post-season experience and his attention to his student-athletes performance in the classroom is a perfect match with Bluffton’s athletics tradition,” said Talavinia.

Labonte obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Findlay. In 2000, he was named an NAIA Outdoor Track and Field All-American and in 2003 he was named an NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field All-American.

Tom Smith, a graduate of Wittenberg University, returns to Bluffton for his third year as an assistant cross country and track coach.

As a Tiger, Smith earned his bachelor of arts degree in communication, participated in four years of track & field and was involved with several clubs on campus.

Smith is currently an assistant coach for both the cross country and track & field programs and he is pursuing his master’s degree at Bluffton University.