CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – This Fighting Illini has found his way back to his college team.
Director of track, field and cross country Petras Kyprianou named Eric Johannigmeier University of Illinois cross country and distance coach on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Johannigmeier, an Illini alum, participated in cross country and track and field for the Fighting Illini before serving as an undergraduate assistant.
His earliest success with the Hokies was with national champion Lindsey Butler, who he coached to national champion status in 2022. His coaching also produced several other champions including runners Peter Seufer with back-to-back ACC Cross Country championships; Sara Friex, who helped the women’s distance runners win their 2020 ACC championship; Tommy Curtin, a six-time ACC champion; Hanna Green, a three-time silver medal winner, and many more. Johannigmeier participated for four years as assistant coach at Virginia Tech and then moved up as head coach in 2018 to lead his runners to victory.
“He is someone that likes to put all his efforts in making student-athletes better and I know he will help us accomplish our goals in his area. It is a great day for Illinois to bring a true Fighting Illini home,” said Kyprianou.