GLASSBORO, NJ - Derick "Ringo" Adamson, Rowan University's head coach of women's cross country and women's track & field for the past 14 years, has announced his retirement.
"Ringo has positively impacted hundreds of student-athletes. His legacy will be one of caring for his team, sharing the joy of running and serving with humility for decades. We wish him the best and know he will continue to support the program he loves," said director of athletics Dr. John Giannini.
In a letter to his team, alumni and the track & field community, Adamson wrote: "It's with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from Rowan University. While I will miss coaching, I am looking forward to spending time with my family.
I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to share my deep passion for running with hundreds of student athletes, alumni and coaches over my long career here at Rowan. The friendships I have made will always brighten my days.
From all the hard training days to the glory of watching our athletes become national champions, I have loved every minute of the journey. As a proud alumnus, it has been my highest honor to have helped lead this program for decades and to have been involved in Rowan Athletics as both an athlete and coach.
I know the program will continue its winning ways and be significant to those in our dedicated community and beyond. Though I won't be involved in the program's day-to-day activities, I'll remain its biggest supporter.
Liz Madden is immediately taking over as the interim head women's track & field coach and Eric DuBois will coach women's cross country. I wish them the best of luck in continuing to grow the program. She will have the help of our coaching staff and volunteers, an amazing group of colleagues and mentors. I am confident they will help carry on our running community's proud tradition.
Over the next few months, I hope to attend Rowan meets so I can catch up with dear friends in the sport. It's been a privilege and an honor to share the joy of running with all of you. I look forward to cheering on our student-athletes and remaining a lifelong fan and friend."
Since being named head coach in 2009, Adamson has guided the Profs to seven New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) team championships in cross country and a total of 11 in indoor and outdoor track & field combined. He was selected as the NJAC's Coach of the Year in each of those seasons.
During Adamson's tenure, he has seen his student-athletes earn All-America honors 51 times individually and as part of relays for indoor and outdoor track & field combined, with three cross country runners receiving the distinction. He also coached one NCAA champion, Shailah Williams (200 meters) in 2016.
A member of the Profs' cross country and track & field teams from 1978 to 1982, Adamson won the 1980 NCAA Championship in the steeplechase and was named an All-American. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University in 1983 and later received a master's degree from Grand Canyon University in 2009.
In 1990, he was inducted into the Rowan-Glassboro State Athletic Hall of Fame and since then, has also been enshrined into the NCAA Division III Track & Field Hall of Fame (2004), as well as the South Jersey Track & Field Hall of Fame (2017).
Liz Madden, a current Profs' assistant coach, has been named the interim head coach for track & field for the 2023-24 season and Eric DuBois will coach the women's cross country team.