Ben Colello Named Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach
WESTON, Mass. – Ben Colello has agreed to become the new head coach of the Regis College men's and women's cross country and track and field teams, effective May 24, 2021.
After stints at both Harvard University and Regis College as an assistant coach, Colello helped lead the Pride cross country and track and field programs on an interim basis during the 2020-21 academic year. Colello coached those student-athletes within the sprints, hurdles, jumps, and distance events, guiding them through meaningful on-campus practice activities that culminated in two exhibition meets in early April. Colello also played a major role in recruiting prospective student-athletes to Regis, resulting in a significant number of deposits.
"I am excited for all of our current and future Pride cross country and track and field student-athletes to have the opportunity to work with Coach Colello," Pam Roecker, Regis College Dean of Athletics, said. "Throughout his entire athletic and coaching career, including the last two years here at Regis, he has exuded an incredible amount of positivity, energy, passion and care - not only for the performance of his student-athletes, but also for their development as individuals."
"Coach Colello has established a positive culture within our cross country and track and field programs, and he has ignited interest in Regis," continued Roecker. "He is a talented recruiter and knowledgeable coach, and he continues to motivate our current student-athletes on a daily basis. We have total confidence in his ability to continue to lead and grow all of these programs!"
In 2019-20, Colello assisted with the Regis cross country program as it enjoyed success, with the women winning the Endicott Invitational and seniors Maggie Mann and JJ Pedersen setting new school records. He oversaw the sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers during the indoor track and field season, culminating in GNAC titles for Nicholas Pastore in the 60 meter dash and long jump and Olivia Juneau in the 400 meter dash.
Colello was a multi-sport event specialist for the Dartmouth College track and field team from 2014 to 2018. He competed in seven Ivy League Championship events, earning Second Team All-Ivy League honors three times, including in both the javelin and the decathlon during the 2018 Ivy League Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He still holds the fourth-longest javelin throw (66.06 meters) and the sixth-highest decathlon point total in Dartmouth history (7,198 points).
"I would like to first thank Dean Roecker and the entire administrative team for this incredible opportunity. I am so grateful to be able to continue my efforts with the men's and women's cross country and track and field program; the future of the program is so bright, and I am thrilled to be a part of it," said Colello. "I wholeheartedly believe in the values and vision of the Regis athletic department, and I look forward to working with my fellow coaches in order to realize that vision. Let's get to work, squad! Roar Pride!"
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies from Dartmouth in June 2018, Colello served as a volunteer assistant coach at Harvard University during the 2018-19 season, helping student-athletes in the pole vault, high jump, javelin, and decathlon. Most recently, he completed his master's degree in strategic sports communication from Regis College.
Regis College sponsors 20 intercollegiate sports within NCAA Division III as part of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.
TRANSACTIONS:
REGIS COLLEGE – Names Ben Colello as head coach of men's and women's cross country and track & field.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH BEN COLELLO …
Tim Wunderlich, Interim Head Coach of Men's Track and Field, Dartmouth College
"I am thrilled to hear of Ben's hiring for the head track and field/cross country coach at Regis College. Ben was a phenomenal athlete, mentor, and leader during his time as a student-athlete at Dartmouth, and he played a big role in making our program better. He is a student of the sport, demonstrates a respectful demeanor, and is a great collaborator. I fully expect him to do some big things for Regis track and field/cross country and for the Regis athletic department as a whole!"
Brenner Abbott, Assistant Track & Field Coach (Vertical Jumps/Decathlon/Javelin), Harvard University
"I'm thrilled about Ben's appointment as head coach of Regis track & field and cross country. The passion and enthusiasm that he has for the sport is rivaled only by his knowledge of the events. I'm confident that his unique skill set will bring the Regis program to a new level of success, and I couldn't be happier for the athletes that get to gain from Ben's knowledge and guidance."
Kourtney Bonsey, Head Coach of Cross Country/Women's Track & Field, University of New England
"I could not think of a better person for this position. Ben's passion, work ethic, and knowledge of the sport will have a tremendous impact on the cross country and track & field program. I have no doubt that the program will reach new heights with Ben as the head coach."