NC State track, cross country coach has been hitting his stride for 45 years
Posted April 9, 2024 5:40 p.m. EDT
Updated April 10, 2024 9:57 a.m. EDT
Raleigh, N.C. — NC State's success in reaching the Final Four is just part of the university's winning reputation in athletics. State's track & field and cross country dominance in the ACC and in national competition is widely recognized.
Coach Rollie Geiger has played a significant role in that success over the course of 45 years at the university. His office is a treasure trove of memories. You can find honors for 1985's 4-by-100-meter NCAA Championship and his own special recognition as ACC Coach of the Year in 2004.
“But this is kind of special,” said Geiger, as he reached for a golden slipper (slides) from his shelf.
“I've been with adidas a long time and I have a tendency only to wear Slides," he said.
They were made especially for him to display, not to walk in.
Geiger is just as proud of the NC State men's and women's basketball teams' recent success as they each reached the Final Four.
"The trophy case behind me has trophies that are basically Final Four trophies, so that’s kind of a goal for the programs here at NC State,” said Geiger.
On March 18 at the Governor's mansion, Geiger celebrated with the women's cross country team's third-straight national title.
Governor Roy Cooper explained, “They won this thing beating Northern Arizona by one point! Which is the closest finish in Division I women's cross country in championship history.”
Laurie Henes is now head coach of the men's and women's track & field and cross country programs. At the event, she paid special honor to Geiger.
“Not just for giving me the opportunity, but for building the incredibly successful program and the true family atmosphere that these women are able to carry on,” said Henes.
The women's team was also recognized for three straight national team scholars' Team of the Year Award.
At the celebration, NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson credited Henes.
“Coach Henes has clearly risen to the top of her profession as coach of women's cross country and women's track and field,” Woodson said.
At 75, people ask him when he plans to retire.
“I think there's going to be a day when I say, well, look, that's probably enough," he said. " That's not tomorrow. I don't feel that way. It's a real joy for me to be able to come here every day and contribute to the program.”
Geiger is also well known at NC State for his early morning, twice-a-week workouts on the track, typically starting at 4:30 a.m.
