Lancers’ look to past for new track and field head coach

The University of Windsor Lancers’ long search for a new track and field coach has finally reached the finish line.

Nearly 21 months after Dennis Fairall stepped down from the post for health reasons, the Lancers brought a familiar face back into the fold with the hiring Wednesday of former Lancers associate head coach Colin Inglis.

The 48-year-old Inglis spent four seasons as Fairall’s associate head coach before moving on to become head coach at York University in 1999 where he has spent the past 18 seasons.

“The last two years have been challenging,” Lancers athletic director Mike Havey said on Wednesday. “The whole situation, from Dennis’ departure on long-term disability and being without a formal, permanent full-time head coach, it’s been challenging for anyone in the program.”

There was last June’s hiring of Andy Hahn and his decision to leave the post four days later. Hahn’s initial hiring did receive some backlash when the job did not go to associate head coach Brett Lumley, who replaced Inglis in 1999 and had been serving as acting head coach.

The Lancers turned to a consulting firm to make the hire.

“I think we’re in a great position now,” Havey said. “I think Colin is going to do a great job for us along with Brett as associate head coach and Gary (Malloy) as head coach of cross country.”

Havey said there were four finalists, which included Lumley, who holds no bitterness.

“Personally, I’m disappointed,” Lumley said. “Being head coach of the Lancers is a goal of mine and something I wanted to do, but I’m ready to move forward, congratulate Colin and work with him to keep the Lancer team successful.”

Inglis knows there still might be some healing to do within the program.

“Whenever there’s change, it’s human nature,” Inglis said. “Change doesn’t necessarily mean bad. I think Brett and I can do some wonderful things.”

Inglis led-York to a national men’s team title in 2014 and top three finishes in 2013 and 2015. The women’s team also posted a top three finish in 2015.

Inglis was OUA coach of the year three times and CIS coach of the year in 2014. He has also served as a coach for Canada at the Pan-American Junior Championships, NACAC U21 team and Francophone Games..

“It’s emotional for sure,” Inglis said of leaving York. “There were a lot of good people and a lot of good athletes, but the amount of messages and texts I’ve received from a lot of Lancer alumni that I worked with is special as well.”