The University of Akron Athletics
Cross Country
- Title:
- Head Women's Cross Country Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Women's Distance Coach
- Email:
- dhg1@uakron.edu
- Phone:
- (330) 634-6813
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Former NAIA national champion and United States Olympic Trials Qualifier, David Gramlich is in his fifth season on head coach Dennis Mitchell's staff and third season as recruiting coordinator and assistant coach in charge of the Women's cross country program. He served as the Zips' Director of Operations on the Zips' track and field staff during the 2012-14 campaigns.
In his first year as women’s distance coach on the track, Gramlich coached Natalie Zidd to an indoor Mid-American Conference Championship in the 800 meters. He also guided Zidd to a collegiate win in the 800 meters at the prestigious Texas Relays as well as an NCAA Preliminary Qualifying mark of 2:07.60 in the 800 meters.
Gramlich also guided the women’s indoor distance medley relay team of Cynthia Haas, Samia Bell, Tara Snipes, and Mackenzie Andrews to a school-record time of 11:40.02 and a fourth-place finish at the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships.
He also found success with Mackenzie Andrews, who dropped over 10 seconds off her personal best in the 1500 meters with a season-best time of 4:26.65. Andrews landed near the top of the podium in every MAC Championship event she competed in as a freshman, indoor 800 meters (fourth), outdoor 800 meters (fourth) and 1,500 meters (fourth).
In his first season leading the women's cross country squad in 2015, Jillian Roth led the efforts of the Akron women's team crossing the line in 22:18.7, good for a 36th-place performance in the Mid American Championships.
Gramlich came to Akron after having serving four years as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Malone University track and cross country programs in nearby Canton, Ohio. Before that, he was the head cross country coach and assistant track coach at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio.
Gramlich, who was a graduate assistant coach for Malone's cross country and track teams from 2006-2008. During that span, Malone captured three NAIA National Championships in Men's Cross Country. competed for Malone from 2000-2005 earning 10 NAIA All-American Awards. Highlighting his standout career, he captured gold in the men's marathon at the 2005 NAIA Outdoor Track Championships. He also qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the event.
