UAB Press Release
April 14, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Ray Stanfield, who has served as UAB's head track and field coach, as well as leading the Blazers' cross country program, since 2002, has announced his resignation from UAB and his retirement from collegiate athletics, effective June 30, 2009.
In making the announcement, Stanfield said he is moving back to his home state of Texas, where he spent 24 of his 32 coaching years.
"There are several factors that came into play that led me to this decision," said Stanfield. "Some of those are my wife's health, my mom's age and the fact that I can leave this program that I have worked hard to develop in good shape.
"I never thought we would be able to accomplish what we've be able to do when I first arrived at UAB. But with the support of Brian Mackin and the UAB administration, we've been able to build a successful program. With the continued support from UAB, the program will continue to grow and prosper. The boundaries of success for this school and its programs are limitless."
Kurt Thomas, who is in his second year as an assistant coach at UAB, will be named interim head coach, following Stanfield's departure.
During his time at UAB, Stanfield has guided the track and cross country programs to national prominence, coaching 40 All-Conference USA athletes, 34 NCAA regional qualifiers and six NCAA national qualifiers.
Distance runner Elizabeth Ambrus became UAB's first track All-American since 1996 when she earned that distinction with her performance in the 5,000-meter run at the 2008 NCAA Indoor Championships.
"Ray has done an outstanding job leading our program on the track and also academically," said UAB Athletics Director Brian Mackin. "He has built this program into one of the best in Conference USA and we are appreciative of his service and commitment at UAB. We certainly wish Ray and his family success and happiness in the future."
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Stanfield has led UAB to consistently high finishes at the conference championships. The 2006 Blazer cross country team won the C-USA title, becoming the first UAB team to win a league championship in that sport. Stanfield was also named the conference Coach-of-the-Year after the meet.
Stanfield guided the 2005 Blazer track and field team to a third-place finish at the conference indoor meet, representing UAB's best team finish since 1996. He also was tabbed C-USA Indoor Coach-of-the-Year in 2005.
A native of Houston, Stanfield came to UAB in August of 2002 after spending a year on the coaching staff at Samford University. He also has coached collegiately at Rice, McNeese State and Sam Houston State. He began his coaching career in 1976 at the high school level in Texas.