OAKVILLE, Ont. - The Sheridan Athletics and Recreation department announced today the hiring of James Buhlman as the head coach of cross country.

"The opportunity to build a cross country program with the full support of the Sheridan Athletic Department was hard to pass up," said Buhlman. "Building a cross country squad that will be as competitive as the other Bruin teams is the primary goal."

Buhlman has an extensive background in cross country and track and field including previous stint as the head coach of cross country for Seneca.

His resume also includes work with Athletics PEI, BC Athletics and Thunderbird Track and Field.

"We are eagerly looking forward to James getting started in this role," Sheridan varsity coordinator Wayne Fish said. "His experience in the field, and in particular within the OCAA, will be tremendous assets as he builds this program."

Buhlman will oversee both the men's and women's teams, as the Bruins make their return to the sport after a quarter-century layoff.

During the first iteration of cross country at Sheridan, the men's team won three OCAA Championships - also possessing a second and third place finish in the trophy case - while the women's team were crowned champions once and runners-up on another occasion.

Buhlman says he will take a holistic approach to starting the program, focusing on how individual performance can contribute to team success.

"Throughout my coaching career, I've had the opportunity to build similar cross country programs and have always focused on team, fitness and the training process leading to lifelong health," he said.

Source: Sheridan College