PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- Shawnee State has elevated Austin Ridenour to assistant director of cross country and track and field.

Ridenour, from Williamsport, Ohio, graduated from Westfall High School in 2015 and earned a bachelor's degree in sports management from Shawnee State in 2019.

While at Westfall, Ridenour ran cross country and track from 2013-15. He continued competing in both sports at Shawnee State from 2015-19.

Ridenour served as a high school cross country and track coach at his alma mater, Westfall, from 2018-25 before joining the Shawnee State cross country and track & field programs as an assistant coach in 2025.

Conner Flynn, Shawnee State's director of cross county and track & field, said Ridenour's experience and contributions to the program made him well-suited for his new role.

"Austin proved to be a great addition to our cross country/track and field programs last year, and I am excited to see him excel in this new role," Flynn said. "His knowledge of the sport, commitment and dependability are valuable to the program as we enter NCAA Division II."

Shawnee State men's and women's cross country open their 2026 season Friday, Sept. 4, at the Wildcat Twilight Invitational in Marion, Indiana. The meet is set to begin at 6 p.m.