One of the most successful coaches in the nation in any sport,Â
Bobby Van Allen has transformed the Blue Jay track and cross country programs into national powers since arriving at Homewood in 1999.
Van Allen's signature work has been with the Blue Jay women's cross country team, which he guided to its sixth NCAA Championship in November; the six NCAA titles, which have all come since 2012, are tied for the second most in Division III history. In addition to the six NCAA Championships, Van Allen has led the women's cross country team to 12 consecutive Centennial Conference and NCAA Mideast Regional titles and also counts four other top-10 finishes at the NCAAs to his credit.
Van Allen's men's cross country program has also become a national contender with three top-10 NCAA finishes in the last four years, nine consecutive top-four finishes at the NCAA Regional Championships and seven consecutive top-two finishes at the Centennial Championships. The men won Centennial titles in 2013 and 2019 and regional titles in 2013 and 2016.
The Johns Hopkins track teams have also become the benchmark in the Centennial in recent years as they have combined to win 32 conference championships; the men own 13 crowns (seven indoor, six outdoor), while the women have 19 (10 outdoor, nine indoor).
With the team success under Van Allen's guidance has come the individual accolades as well. He has coached 35 All-Americans in cross country and 57 in track and three individuals have claimed national championships in track.
For his part, Van Allen has collected more than 30 Coach of the Year honors, including six National Coach of the Year selections in women's cross country.
