Cottrell’s first year as program head coincides with what everyone hopes will be a return to “normal racing,” following a pandemic season that was limited mainly to time trials. Cottrell has been an assistant coach for track for four years, and assistant cross country coach for two years, having previously taught and coached at Cosby High School in Midlothian, VA. In addition to being the assistant track and field coach at Trinity, Cottrell also teaches biology and human anatomy and physiology.
Cottrell competed in both cross country and track and field in high school and at Gardner-Webb University. He transferred to Appalachian State and began racing triathlon and road cycling for ASU. Cottrell earned his B.S. in Ecology and Evolution from Appalachian State.
A two-time All-American Duathlete, Cottrell will represent Team USA in the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in Bermuda and the Duathlon World Championships in Spain. “I've also qualified for the 2022 World Championships in Australia,” says Cottrell. “My coaching philosophy focuses on developing athletes’ enjoyment of running, appreciation for running as a competitive sport, and developing positive habits.”