After an illustrious 26-year career as head coach of the Susquehanna University men's track and field team, Jim Taylor will retire at the conclusion of the 2004 outdoor season.

Taylor has led the Crusaders to 11 Middle Atlantic Conference team championships and coached 32 All-Americans and seven Division III national champions during his career at Susquehanna. He has also served as an admissions coordinator for the university’s Sigmund Weis School of Business for the past 13 years.

“It has been a very difficult decision for me, but I wanted to be able to go out on my own terms,” said Taylor. “I'm leaving here with nothing but good thoughts and experiences, and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by quality athletes and assistant coaches. Susquehanna has been very good to me.”

“Jim has had a positive impact on so many people during his career and enjoyed an incredible amount of success at Susquehanna,” said Director of Athletics Pam Samuelson. “He has been an integral part of our department for many years and we wish him nothing but best wishes in his retirement.”

Taylor came to Susquehanna in 1979 after 16 seasons as head coach at Selinsgrove Area High School, where he led the Seals to six league and five district championships in addition to the 1976 PIAA Class AA state championship and 64 consecutive dual-meet victories.

Following a 3-6 dual meet record in his first season, the Crusaders began a streak of 71 consecutive wins in 1980 that lasted until 1990. Overall, Taylor 's teams have posted a 117-14 record (.893) in dual meets.

In 1982, the Crusaders won their first MAC title since 1971 by less than one point over Delaware Valley to begin an unprecedented streak of five straight conference championships. Susquehanna added conference crowns in 1988, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2003.

The Crusaders have also had a presence at the national level, with no fewer than 42 individuals and nine relays participating at the NCAA Division III championships since 1981.

Among the seven national championships won by Susquehanna athletes were the four golds captured by Mike Spangler ’86 from 1985 to 1988, as he won the 200 meters as a freshman before winning three straight titles in the 400 meters. Jeff Walden '88 captured back-to-back championships in the 400-meter hurdles in 1985-86 while Adam Ressler ’00 won the javelin in 2000.

Susquehanna University Director of Athletics Pam Samuelson has announced that Bob James has been named defensive coordinator and assistant baseball coach.

James replaces Tim Briggs, who stepped down in January to pursue other interests.

“Bob's experience at all levels of college football, his knowledge in aspects of strength and conditioning, and his enthusiasm will be a positive benefit for our athletic department and our student-athletes,” said Samuelson.

James served as defensive coordinator at Division II University of New Haven for the last two seasons until the Chargers discontinued their program following the 2003 season.

Previously, James was defensive coordinator at Division I-AA Drake University (2001) and Wilkes University (1999-2000), where he helped the Colonels rank in the top 15 in rushing defense in Division III both seasons. James also served as defensive backs coach at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne College (1997-1998) and at his alma mater Bloomsburg University (1995-96).

James is a 1995 graduate of Bloomsburg with a bachelor of science degree in exercise science/adult health and was a four-year starter with the Husky football program. James was a two-year team captain and a two-time All-PSAC selection as well as an All-ECAC pick during his career from 1990-94.

Freshman Emily Lepley ’07 made an impact on the women's track and field team from the moment she ran her first race in December. She is all but assured a trip to the NCAA championships at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., from May 27-29.

At a December 6 indoor meet at Bucknell, Lepley shattered the SU school record in the 55-meter hurdles and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Lepley went on to finish second in the event at the Middle Atlantic Conference indoor track and field championships on February 28 with a time of 8.44 seconds, securing a spot in the field for the NCAA championship meet.

On March 12, Lepley finished 10th with a time of 8.46 seconds and became the first female Susquehanna competitor at the NCAA indoor championship meet.

Just two weeks later, Lepley lined up for her first outdoor meet as a Crusader and promptly repeated her performance from the indoor season, setting a school record and earning a provisional berth to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 14.92 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles.

Lepley has subsequently improved upon that time twice, running a season-best 14.69 seconds at the Dickinson Invitational on April 24.