ANDERSON, S.C. -- Anderson University's Vice President for Athletics, Dr. Bert Epting, has announced the elevation of Kevin Eagle to Director of Cross Country/Track & Field, along with AU Track and Field alum Caleb Stephenson as Head Coach of the Track and Field programs.
Since Eagle joined the Trojans ahead of the 2017-18 season, both Anderson's men and women's cross country programs have consistently finished fourth or better in the XC South Atlantic Conference standings. Both squads have also been ranked in the Top-5 regionally since 2019. Eagle has led the women's team to the NCAA National Championships five times in seven years. In 2022, the men's team earned their first National bid in program history under Eagle's leadership and has been twice in the last three years, including the most recent 2024 season. The 2022 NCAA Women's XC Southeast Regional Coach of the Year was most recently named 2024 Men's XC SAC Coach of the Year.
"I am so thankful for the work and leadership Kevin has given to our track and field and cross country programs," said Epting. "He has worked tirelessly to build a nationally competitive program, that not only competes at a high level in competition but is a tremendous leader in the classroom and across our campus community at AU. His ability to integrate his faith into his programs and his focus on being excellent both in and out of competition is what separates our programs from every other program in the nation. I am excited for his promotion to Director of Cross Country and Track & Field and I am looking forward to his continued leadership within his programs and in the entirety of our Athletic Department."
A native of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga., Anderson alum Caleb Stephenson will join Eagle, assuming the role of Head Coach for Track and Field.
"I am super excited to be able to bring Caleb back to Anderson," said Eagle. "His passion for the sport and getting every athlete better no matter their level was the main thing I was looking for when filling this position. He brings a wealth of knowledge to AU after coaching at the high school level for the last several years. The relationships that he has created over those years with coaches will help when it comes to recruiting right away. Caleb will hit the ground running as he is a perfect fit for what we're looking to achieve in the future. I could not be happier with this hire."
Stephenson comes to Anderson following a seven-year stint as the Physical Education Teacher at Hone Path Elementary School, as well as the Head Coach for the Cross Country and Track & Field teams at Belton-Honea Path High School.
In the most recent Track & Field season at BHP, Stephenson led the Bears to the State Track Meet in the boys' 4x800, 4x100 and pole vault, with both pole vault athletes earning All-State honors after finishing 2nd and 5th in the event. On the girls' side, Bears qualified for State in high jump, long jump, discus, shot put, javelin, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4x400 and 4x800. Finishing 6th overall in the state, the Bears claimed a State Title in the 800, and All-State honors with a third-place finish in the 400 as well as the 4x400 and a fifth-place finish in the discus.
"I'm super excited to get to return to AU and be a part of the team and family that made such a big impact on me," said Stephenson. "I would like to thank my wife for always being supportive of my decisions, as well as Coach Eagle and the AU staff for giving me this opportunity. I'm looking forward to a great season!"
Stephenson attended Anderson (2014-18) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Upon graduation, Stephenson was inducted into Anderson's chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma in recognition of his academic and athletic excellence. The 2018 Physical Education Teacher of the Year Candidate then went on to obtain a Master of Science in Coaching from the University of the Cumberlands.
"I am so excited to welcome Caleb to the AU Family!" said Epting. "He will be a tremendous addition to our team, and I am looking forward to seeing him lead our student-athletes both in and out of competition. His commitment to the Lord and to pouring into his student-athletes is something that separated him in our search. He will be a difference maker in leading and coaching our track and field teams."
A four-year sprinter for the Trojan Track & Field team, Stephenson competed in the men's 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races individually, while also consistently being a part of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. Stephenson currently owns three AU program records: indoor 400m (50.18), 4x100 (41:49) and outdoor 4x400 (3:26.04). His outdoor 400m time of 48.95 was also the school record until just last season (2024) when Trojan senior Ben Molitor narrowly bested it with a 48.85 mark.
Stephenson and his wife, McKenzie met while both attending AU. They have been married for four years and currently reside in Belton with their daughter, Chandler.
