Christopher V. Woods, of Covington, was recently hired as head coach for the Claflin University men's and women's cross country and track and field teams.

Claflin University Athletics Director Dr. Jerome Fitch has announced the hiring of Woods.

"Coach Woods brings a championship reputation to the table and will no doubt steer Claflin into national prominence on the track," Fitch said. "We look forward to witnessing his burgeoning coaching career manifest into unprecedented success at this University."

Woods joins the Claflin University coaching staff with impressive credentials.

"Becoming a head coach was a dream of mine since I graduated from college and Claflin University seems to be the right fit for me. I want to be a part in helping the athletes here become successful and build a strong program," Woods said. "I was attracted here by Claflin's excellent academic reputation."

The former Newton Ram, previously coached at Abilene Christian University, where he spent the past two years as men and women's long sprints, middle and long distance coach. During his tenure at Abilene Christian, Woods was an integral part of back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championship men's track and field teams.

During a highly successful collegiate career at Mississippi State University, Woods was a two-time All-American on 4x400 medley relay teams and was selected on four All-Southeastern Conference teams.