New Faces at the Helm, Same Expectations for Lynchburg Distance

LYNCHBURG, Va. – As Mario Wilson and Sam Llaneza enter their first season as coaches for the University of Lynchburg cross country and track & field teams, the new era remains grounded in the program’s rich precedent of national success.

Beyond the departure of Director Jim Sprecher and Coach Jake Reed, who supported the teams to 27 conference titles and 23 team national championship appearances, the Hornets graduated four conference-record holders from the outdoor track season on the distance side. 

Fortunately for the current squad, one individual has returned to occupy Coach Reed’s seat at the helm of the distance program.

On Saturday, May 24, Sam Llaneza competed in his final collegiate race at the 2025 Division III NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. As he toed the line, the news of his impending hire as a distance coach already rested in his mind.

“It definitely became real when Jake [Reed] told me he was leaving, back in April,” said Llaneza. “I had to deal with knowing I would probably be the next coach, and it would be just me for the meantime.”

Even during the van ride to Geneva, Ohio, Llaneza and Coach Reed began discussing logistics for the upcoming fall. Despite already preparing workouts and summer training, however, Llaneza understood the importance of staying present for his final races.

“It was looming over my head a little bit, for sure,” Llaneza mentioned. “I just tried to stay in the moment and have a lot of fun with the team I was still on, at the time. Once the season ended, it was time to turn the page and get to the next part of life.”

While the 10-time All-American is far removed from his rookie season as a runner, he has returned to square one as a first-time coach. With the new season looming, he prepared to embrace the mentorship of another new face on campus, Coach Mario Wilson.

Following a 13-year tenure at the University of Virginia, Coach Wilson arrived in the Hill City with over 20 years of coaching experience at the Division I level. In his new chapter at Lynchburg, Wilson recognizes the importance of funneling his vision to fit the DIII climate.

“We’re figuring out what makes the University of Lynchburg the most attractive destination for the right fit,” said Coach Wilson. “We will definitely be focused on winning the state; obviously, almost every school in the conference is in the state of Virginia.”

Capturing 24 conference championships in his coaching career and recently serving as the associate head coach at UVA, Coach Wilson’s expertise lies in a wealth of track events. As a multis coach, he caters to various disciplines on both the sprints and field events sides.

“I’d like to think that I can help in any capacity, if need be,” Wilson said. “But one of the most exciting parts during the hiring process was the fact that there is an established staff.”

Now occupying the director’s role, he plans to guide Llaneza through the coaching process while allowing much of the training framework to remain the same. With several previous assistants joining the coaching staff full time, Coach Wilson is enjoying collaborating with familiar faces.

“I don’t have to train a staff to do it the ‘Lynchburg way,’” said Wilson. “I have to learn the Lynchburg way, so I’m going to be learning and leaning on them quite a bit this year.”

Wilson’s coaching background and Llaneza’s knowledge of the program’s history complement each other effectively, and the pair’s thirst to continue winning championships could be quenched with a young roster.

The men’s team enters 2025 ranked 20th in the preseason USTFCCCA national poll. The Lynchburg men’s squad boasts 11 freshmen and two Division I transfers, while the women’s team adds three freshmen to a young group of returners. Four of the six female athletes who competed at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships returned for the new season.

Distance fans can expect the program’s message to remain the same, perhaps in a new font. The renewed excitement, for both the veterans and rookies, has inspired Coach Wilson to attack the challenge with joy.

“All I want to do in this phase of my career is to give back,” Coach Wilson stated. “I had so many good mentors along the way, and I want to be that mentor to younger coaches. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

To access news and upcoming events for the Lynchburg cross country team, visit Lynchburg Sports.