MOREHEAD, Ky. -- After leading the cross country programs on an interim basis this fall, Morehead State has appointed alum Clay Dixon as the full time head coach for the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs.

The women's track and field team opens its indoor season Friday at Marshall.

"It's a great honor being chosen for this position. I think that we have a really bright future ahead with the talent on hand and coming in next year," he said. "We've already signed several talented athletes from the state and surrounding region that we are excited about bringing on board next year. I'm especially excited about our freshmen men's squad, and I think that they will be a solid core of athletes that we will build around. I also feel like we are going to have several break out seasons this spring on our women's side."

Dixon, a native of nearby Winchester, Ky.,  was a member of the Eagle cross country and track and field teams, beginning in 2012. While an undergrad he was part of the men's 4x800-meter relay school-record squad his freshman year. Dixon competed at the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in track and field three times.

He says his familiarity with the University and region and its many training opportunities will be a bonus when it comes to building a strong program.

"I've been in Morehead since 2012 and I know the surrounding area very well. There are so many great locations to train, anything from hilly gravel roads to flat stretches great for long repeats, and even a great cross country loop right next to the track that we train on," he stated. "It all really makes Morehead State a great place for runners, and I think we have a few records this spring that are in danger on both our men's and women's teams."

Dixon graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester. He then graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from MSU in 2016 and finished his Masters of Arts Degree in Wellness Promotion at Morehead State in December 2017. Dixon wrote his masters thesis on the effects of anthropometric measurements on NCAA Division I track athletes.