ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin Niles as its next head men's and women's cross country coach. Niles joins the Regents with coaching experience at both the NCAA Division III and high school levels.

"We are excited about the direction of the program with Coach Niles at the helm," RU Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan stated. "He brings a wealth of experience and cares deeply about the success of his student-athletes. We look forward to watching his teams reach new heights."

"I am excited to join the Rockford University athletic department as the head cross country coach," Coach Kevin Niles commented. "Distance running has been a large part of my life, and I have enjoyed coaching for many years. I would like to thank director of athletics Jason Mulligan for entrusting me with the men's and women's cross country programs. I am looking forward to this season and all the great things in store for both programs over the coming years!

Most recently Coach Niles spent two seasons as the assistant cross country and track & field coach at Edgewood College. Niles assisted in all aspects of the cross country and track & field programs including: recruiting, running training sessions, strength and conditioning, fundraising and volunteer activities. Individually, the Eagles had a plethora of success with Coach Niles on staff. Edgewood had four All-NACC honorees, including the 2022 NACC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year, three All-Region performers, three NCAA Division III Championship qualifiers and one track & field All-American in the 10,000 meter race. As a team, the Eagles finished as high as second place at the 2022 NACC Cross Country Championship.

Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, Niles coached at the high school and middle school levels for multiple years. He spent three years as a cross country assistant coach at the high school level and four years as an assistant cross country and track & field coach at the middle school level in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Over those seven years, Coach Niles helped increase the roster sizes by more than fifty percent and coached a trio of runners and one team to the state meet. 

Niles graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.