NORTON - Dave Cusano, who most recently served as the assistant track coach at the University of Maine, is the new Wheaton College track coach succeeding the legendary Paul Souza.

During seven years in Orono, Cusano coached 30 America East champions, 11 NCAA Regional qualifiers and two New England champions. In 2009, Cusano was named UMaine Coach of the Year while America East bestowed its "Coaching Staff of the Year'" award on the track and field staff.

"I'm extremely humbled and excited about the opportunity to be the head track and field coach at Wheaton," said Cusano, who is Level 1 certified by USA Track & Field (USATF) and a member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

"Although it will be hard to leave Maine, I am excited to be a part of the great combination of academics and athletics at Wheaton," added Cusano. "I plan on working diligently toward the highest levels of success both academically and athletically, and I'm proud to be a member of the Lyon family."

Wheaton College Interim Director of Athletics John Sutyak announced the hiring to replace Souza, who resigned in May after 17 seasons and eight national championships at the helm of the programs. "We are elated that he will be bringing his many talents to Norton," said Sutyak. "We are look forward to working with him in continuing our longstanding success on the regional and national levels of Division III track and field."

Working in a dual role as a coach and an instructor in the kinesiology and physical education department in Orono, Cusano was responsible for creating a detailed yearly training and lifting program for sprints, hurdles, and jumps while also serving as recruiting coordinator and the director of the UMaine Summer Track Camp.

During his time at Maine, Cusano also worked as the strength and conditioning coach for the men's and women's basketball teams at Husson University and as an NFL Combine and professional athlete trainer. He has trained a total of 11 current or former NFL players.

Cusano earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in exercise physiology from Maine in 2004 and 2008, respectively.

He was a four-year student-athlete in both track and field and football for the Black Bears, earning nine all-conference selections in track and field while helping the football team to a pair of Atlantic 10 conference championships (2001-02).

Upon graduation, Cusano went on to spend one year as a member of the United States bobsled team (2004) and another playing professional football for the Dresden Monarchs in Germany (2005).

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