Published: November 24, 2009 12:35 am      

McLain to step down as Warriors’ AD, coach

By JOHN ROARK

john.roark@register-news.com

INA — Brent McLain, who converted a tremendous running career into a stellar run through the collegiate coaching ranks, has tendered his letter of resignation as athletics director and men’s cross-country and track and field coach at Rend Lake College.

McLain confirmed he has intentions of stepping down as AD and coach in a Monday telephone conversation, and made those intentions known last week.

The 1983 Benton Consolidated High School graduate is resigning on the heels of RLC’s fifth NJCAA team title in his 10 years as cross-country coach.

McLain, who won two Class AA championships (cross-country, 1,600 meters) as a Ranger, built the Warriors’ track and cross-country programs from the ground floor. He is leaving the school with track beginning its ninth season in January.

McLain cited health reasons for leaving the post. His resignation will likely be acted upon at the RLC board meeting in late December, according to Warriors sports information director Nathan Wheeler.

“I have heredity heart disease and cholesterol issues,” McLain said Monday. “I am getting too old, and as much as I like coaching, it is time to step back and spend time with my family.”

McLain also won a national NJCAA indoor track team title in 2007-08 at RLC.

McLain’s biggest claims to fame are coaching Kenyan Boaz Lalang to a 2008 Summer Olympic qualifying spot on that country’s national team — which led to a professional career with Adidas the following fall — and sprinter Ryan Bailey, who signed a Nike contract earlier this year.

According to the Rend Lake web site, McLain has had as many as six national champions in 2008 alone, and more than 100 RLC All-Americas in a short time as the college’s only men’s head coach.

McLain is a five-time NJCAA coach of the year, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he posted a career-best of 4:03 in the mile.

Ironically, McLain was returning from the NCAA Division I cross-country championships in Terre Haute, Ind. on Monday, where his alma mater Crimson Tide ran third in the men’s team standing.

Before coming to Ina, McLain also coached as Benton and Carterville high schools.

“I have been spoiled and lucky at Rend Lake,” McLain said. “I’ve never had a bad moment here. I have had great relationships with these kids, plus I have coached three guys who have combined to win five individual national championships in cross-country.”

McLain said there was no truth to his pursuing another job at this time, though he and his wife Deedra are expecting a fourth child in March.

“Once family life closes down a bit, I’ll probably get out there and get the itch again,” McLain said. “It happens. For right now though, we have three kids and our entire family roots are in Benton. It’s gonna be fun to get out and see my own kids play sports.”