Gustavus head cross country running and nordic skiing coach Scott Jerome has announced his resignation in order to become head cross country running and nordic skiing coach at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Jerome, who will begin his new position August 1, has been at Gustavus for the past four years. The athletic department will begin the search to replace Jerome immediately.
During his four years at Gustavus, Jerome helped direct the running and skiing programs to the top of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). The women’s cross country team claimed the program’s first ever conference title this past fall and went on to finish 12th at the NCAA Championships. The women’s nordic ski team has won three consecutive conference titles, while the men’s team claimed the program’s first ever league title this past winter.
Jerome leaves Gustavus with mixed emotions, “Leaving Gustavus has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make, but an unexpected opportunity presented itself, and I felt I needed to investigate it. My time here has prepared me well for the challenges presented at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.” He added, “Gustavus has been a wonderful place to coach and Saint Peter has been a great place for Denise and me to start our family. I want to thank Athletic Director Al Molde and Vice President Owen Sammelson for supporting skiing and running at Gustavus and for giving me the opportunity to work at this wonderful institution.”
Director of Athletics Al Molde praised Jerome for his work at Gustavus. “Scott Jerome exceeded our expectations for success with our cross country running and nordic ski programs. In four short years, he has developed championship programs in both sports. We will miss Scott and his family, however, we wish him well in his new opportunity at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.”
In Alaska, Jerome will be directing Division II running and skiing programs that have been very competitive at the national level. The Nanooks nordic ski team has posted Top 10 finishes at the NCAA Championships in each of the last three seasons.
Molde will now begin a national search to find Jerome’s replacement. The plan is to have a new coach in place by August 1.