York College director of athletics Deneé Barracato has elevated Gregory Welch to head coach for the men’s and women’s cross country programs ahead of the 2019 season.
“We are excited to announce Coach Welch’s promotion to head coach of our cross country program,” said Barracato. I am confident that he will continue to connect with the team and maximize each of our runner’s potential. He is a veteran coach who will continue to advance our cross country student-athletes to the next level.”
Since 2017, Welch has served at York as an assistant coach for the cross country and indoor/outdoor track & field programs. He takes over the helm for Indira Avila, who resigned in May following two seasons with the Cardinals. Welch has served as interim coach since that time for cross country and track & field.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead these young men and women and continue to build upon my two years here,” said Welch. “During my time at York, I have worked tremendously hard to build a strong culture with cross country and track & field. I look forward to providing skills that will not only translate in competition, but also in the classroom and throughout the course of their lives."
In two seasons, Welch has assisted in the development of a total of 26 CUNYAC track & field All-Stars, while his student-athletes have combined for 10 CUNYAC All-Sportsmanship honorees between cross country and track & field.
Prior to arriving at York, Welch spent 13 seasons (2007-13) at his alma mater, Queens College, serving as head coach for men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs. Welch, a two-time East Coast Conference Cross Country Coach of the Year, led Queens to a 2009 ECC Women’s Cross Country Co-Championship, and then in 2013, the Knights earned ECC Outdoor Men’s Track & Field Co-Champions during the inaugural league championship.
As a 1979 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Welch served as team captain during his senior year and collected multiple CUNYAC individual and team championships in cross country and indoor/outdoor track & field as a decorated four-year student-athlete for the Knights.
Following graduation, Welch went on to a 20-plus-year career with the New York Police Department. While there, Welch worked in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, and was assigned to patrol, anti-crime and narcotics units. He reached the rank of Sergeant during his time with the force, and retired following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Welch is certified as a Level one track & field coach as recognized by the USA Track & Field Coaching Education Program. He has also completed the Track & Field Technical Certification Course given by the USTFCCCA Association.
The life-long resident of Brooklyn graduated from Midwood High School. Welch is a father to daughter, Amanda, and son, Gregory.
