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KENNESAW, Ga. - Longtime Kennesaw State men’s and women’s head cross country coach Stan Sims announced on Thursday, Sept. 1, that he will be retiring from coaching following the 2011 season after 18 years at the helm of the Owls program.

Sims discussed his impending departure at a press conference before a crowd of University administrators, faculty, staff, supporters, and current and former student-athletes. He will step down as one the most decorated coaches in the history of KSU Athletics.

“I am truly humbled by my time spent here at Kennesaw State,” Sims said. “I was just a math professor that was in the right place at the right time. I have had so many people carry me on their shoulders through the years and I am so thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.”

Since taking over the Owls cross country program in 1994, Sims has led his squads to a total of 22 conference championships, including three Atlantic Sun Conference titles since the Owls transitioned to Division I prior to the 2005 season.

Sims led the women’s team to the 2005 championship, the first-ever Division I conference title for the athletic program. His men’s squad is currently the reigning back-to-back A-Sun champions.

He has guided his runners to a total of four individual national titles, as well as 35 individual conference championships. For his efforts, he has garnered a total of 13 conference coach of the year honors in both the A-Sun and the Peach Belt Conference.

“Coach Sims embodies our athletic department’s vision to grow, achieve and accomplish,” said KSU Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams. “He impacted the lives of so many as he selflessly served his student-athletes. He mentored, served as a father figure and is the true definition of a champion.”

Sims, who served as an assistant coach for two seasons under under Dave Morgan, will leave Kennesaw State with at least eight regional championships, 11 top-25 national finishes and 16 All-Americans in cross country and track and field.

Sims will coach the men’s and women’s teams through the season before officially stepping down in December. Ryan Wagner, who was added to the Owls track and field coaching staff in August, will oversee the distance runners beginning with the upcoming indoor track season.

In honor of his achievements at Kennesaw State, the Owls announced that beginning this season, an annual award will be given in Sims’ name to the top men’s and women’s cross country performers. Also, when the cross country program hosts its annual meet it will be named after Sims.

Sims begins his final season at the helm of the Owls Sept. 2 when the Black and Gold travel to Nashville for the Belmont Opener.