BRANCH TAKES CLARKE CROSS COUNTRY REINS

Clarke University Athletic Director Curt Long announced today that Janelle Branch has been named the university's head cross country coach and assistant track and field coach.

Branch previously was the head track and cross country coach at Westminster Schools of Augusta in Augusta, Georgia.

"I am looking forward to seeing Janelle begin building the cross country team and distance component of our track and field program," said Long. "Janelle has competed at a high level and brings a variety of life experience to the programs."

While at Westminster Schools of Augusta, Branch led her boys' team from 12th in the state to third and the girls from 10th to fifth in just two short years. She trained seven athletes to all-region honors and one to all-state recognition. Branch also trained two athletes to qualify for the National USATF Junior Olympic Cross Country meet in the post season.

In addition to her high school success, Branch was named the head coach for the 2019 USA vs Canada National Junior team held in Philadelphia. She is a current member of the USATF Athlete's Advisory Committee and is has obtained her USATF Level 1 Coaching certification.

As an athlete, Branch competed in cross country and track at Cornerstone University in Michigan, where she was a seven-time NAIA All-American in the 3K and 5K Racewalk events. She was also a six-time Academic All American and the 2012 recipient of the NAIA National Leroy Walker Award. Branch has competed in USATF National Championships seven times, most recently placing seventh in the 2020 Indoor Championships. She is currently training for the 2021 Olympic Trials to be held in Eugene, Oregon in June.

Branch holds a bachelor of science degree in international business from Cornerstone University and a master of public administration degree from Indiana University Bloomington. She is married to Alex Branch, who is currently serving in the Navy and is stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland.