It’s been a long, productive run for Ohio State director of men’s and women’s track and field and cross country, but it’s coming to an end. The university announced the retirement of Karen Dennis on Monday after 20 years at Ohio State.
Dennis came to OSU in 2002 as an assistant coach with the women’s track and field team and was elevated to women’s head coach in 2006. In 2014, she took on both the women’s and men’s track and field and cross country programs as the director.
During her time running the show, the Buckeyes took home 12 Big Ten championships including women’s indoor (2011, 2015, 2019, 2020) and outdoor (2011, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2022) crowns as well as men’s indoor and outdoor championships in 2018, their first in 25 years, and an outdoor title in 2022.
“I hope this isn’t too much of a surprise,” Dennis said in a statement. “I have coached for a long time and there are still things in life I’d like to do. I am truly thankful for this profession, and I want to express my gratitude to the many assistant coaches and support staff that have shared and sweated alongside me on this incredible journey. They share a primary role in the success of our programs.
“I also want to thank the hundreds of student-athletes who have shared their lives and careers as Buckeyes, and also their parents.
“I want to thank the great coaches here at Ohio State, and in the Big Ten Conference and nationally, who have served as examples of excellence and who have challenged and motivated me to be better.
“And, I want to thank my family for the sacrifices they made while I pursued coaching, and specifically my daughter Ebony, who shared with me and introduced me to 100s of kids through her work.”
Thank you, Coach Dennis, for letting us be part of your trailblazing career! You've influenced so many and changed the landscape of this sport. We are honored that you chose to be a Buckeye and wish you the best in retirement!
🔗: https://t.co/RoQ8ploqKH#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/JG5gMDQHNZ
— Ohio State T&F/XC (@OhioStateTFXC) June 13, 2022
To say that Dennis went out on top would be an understatement. She retires the same year that both the men’s and women’s track and field teams took home the outdoor Big Ten championship, the only time that’s happened in the program’s history.
“I can’t thank Karen Dennis enough for her friendship, her mentorship and the love she has for her student-athletes and Ohio State athletics,” Gene Smith, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, said. “I want to congratulate her on a truly legendary career in coaching. We have been incredibly fortunate to have her leading our programs.”
She will be missed.
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