Several sports programs at Capital have undergone major coaching changes. Men’s and women’s cross country and the men’s tennis program are among the many teams with new coaches taking the helm.
Hannah Weiss is coach of both the cross country and track programs. Hired on July 1, Weiss has a decorated background in both track & field and cross country. Before joining Capital, she served as an assistant coach at the University of Central Oklahoma and Coe College. But what’s most impressive is Coach Weiss’ performance as a student-athlete at Division III Loras College. Coach Weiss was a middle-distance runner and earned All-American honors three times in the distance medley relay and the 800 meter race. She also set numerous records in the 600, 800 and 1,000-meter run.
When asked about why she chose capital, Coach Weiss highlighted the amount of potential on the young team.
“I chose Capital because of the untapped ability to be a successful program. There are a number of talented student-athletes already on the team and campus, but even more importantly Capital is a place where the student-athlete can be successful on many different levels while still being involved in athletics, giving them the ability to use athletics as a part of a holistic yet competitive experience,” Coach Weiss said.
Upon arrival, Coach Weiss was eager to set high goals for both the cross country and track programs.
“My initial goal is to establish the culture of family/team through respect, ownership, positive attitude, and responsibility. If we can do this then our outlook towards the OAC Championship Meet can be stronger,” Coach Weiss said.
Reaching these goals is difficult and will require strong leadership and a consistent philosophy.
“Between my experience as a coach and as an athlete my philosophy has been fine tuned to be built around two things: team-directed mentality and the division III purpose of ‘discover, develop, and dedicate.’ Combining the two, to focusing individual efforts and sacrifice for the sake of team which will in turn create a greater individual growth and tougher mentality – it’s always harder to quit on your teammate and family than it is to quit on yourself,” she said when asked about her personal coaching philosophy.
The men’s and women’s cross country teams look to build off of their recent performance at the Ohio Wesleyan Invitational, where both the men’s and women’s teams finished eighth overall. Their next competition will be Saturday, September 19 at the Otterbein Invitational.
Along with cross country and track and field, the men’s tennis program has also hired a new head coach. Ohio State University graduate, Marc Wurtzman, will serve as the new coach for the team. During his time as a student at OSU, Wurtzman earned a letter all four years and is ranked 27th all-time in career singles wins. He also served as team captain during his senior year.
Wurtzman began coaching in 1999 and his resume includes Kenyon College, University of Wisconsin, and his alma mater, Ohio State University.
“I chose Capital because of the amazing atmosphere and people that make up this great institution. It just felt like the right fit,” Wurtzman said.
The colleges may be different, but Coach Wurtzman’s philosophy has remained the same throughout his coaching career.
“My coaching philosophy in a nutshell is to play and compete as a unit. Everything we do, day in and day out, involves building team chemistry and working together. That’s how this individual sport of tennis can turn it into a total team atmosphere. We have to pull each other through the tough times and embrace and cherish the good moments together,” Coach Wurtzman said.
With such a passion for teamwork and camaraderie, it’s only natural that the expectations set for his team are high.
“Our Goal is to win the OAC regular season and the OAC Tournament and win a round at the NCAA Tournament. Also, to have a number of student athletes gain academic accolades,” Coach Wurtzman said.
The men’s Tennis team will open their season on Monday, September 14 against Grove City College.
