The University of La Verne athletics department is excited to announce Rob Lander as its next Head Cross Country Coach and Track and Field Distance Assistant Coach.
Lander brings a wealth of coaching experience from different levels including NCAA Divisions I and II, high school, and most recently as the head cross country coach at Chaffey College.
"We are delighted to bring Rob to La Verne. The cross country and distance programs are on an upward trajectory and I know Rob will build on that momentum. We are eager for him to get started," said University of La Verne Director of Athletics, Dr. Jenna Panatier.
Lander joined Chaffey in 2015, when the college reestablished its cross-country programs, and quickly turned the Panthers into a conference powerhouse. In his first season, he was named the Foothill Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for guiding the women's squad to team and individual conference championships. In 2022, Lander earned Inland Empire Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors after leading the Panthers to three conference titles, winning the men's and women's individual championships, and the women's team title.
Every season under Lander's leadership, the Panthers either qualified as a team or sent individuals to the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) State Championship. His squad excelled academically as well. The program was tabbed the 3C2A All-Academic Cross Country team from 2018-19.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to mentor and lead the men and women of the University of La Verne's cross country and distance track programs. I want to thank Dr. Panatier, Coach Reid, and the rest of the search committee for this amazing opportunity," said Lander.
Before Chaffey, Lander served as the Head Girls Track and Field Coach at Claremont High School in 2015 and was the Head Cross Country Coach and Head Track and Field Distance Coach with the Wolfpack from 2003 to 2014.
While at Claremont, Lander was a four-time San Gabriel Valley Cross Country Coach of the Year (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014) and a two-time All-Inland Valley Cross Country Coach of the Year (2010, 2014). In 2005 he was named a Track and Field Southern California Coach of the Year after guiding the Wolfpack's girls' squad to the CIF Division 2 Southern Section Championship
Lander utilizes a scientific approach in his training, incorporating the latest research in biomechanics and exercise physiology. He holds a master's degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton and authored a 2001 thesis titled "A naturalistic investigation of elite distance runners' cognitive strategies for coping with exertion pain during performance" which is referenced in a 2010 publication of Athletic Insight Journal.
"We are excited to bring Coach Lander on board here at ULV. He brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our campus and our teams. His background in science and the training of distance runners will fit in well with our program. His experience at the NCAA DI, DII, and California junior college levels will enable him to get to campus and hit the ground running. I am looking forward to the continued progression of our cross country and distance running here at La Verne," said University of La Verne Track and Field Head Coach Kevin Reid.
Lander served as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level at Cal State Fullerton from 2001 to 2003 and worked as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Sonoma State from 1995-96.
His coaching career began at Claremont High School in 1993 as an assistant with the cross country program.
"I am eager to start working with our student-athletes, Coach Reid, our cross country assistant coach Micaela Castillo, the rest of the athletic department, and the University as a whole. Together, we will cultivate a top-notch Division 3 cross country program," said Lander.
Lander is a first-generation college student. He competed at Mt. San Antonio College and transferred to Sonoma State where he earned his bachelor's degree.
The Leopards open this season this Saturday when they compete at the Mark Covert Invite at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea.
