Aug. 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Rob Hyde, who has worked 25 years as a coach in Calvin University’s respected cross country team, will take the helm of the nationally ranked Grand Rapids Community College team.
The men's cross country team is looking to get back to nationals for the third straight season. Last season it finished in seventh place with two runners -- Joshua Kipkoech and Coleman Clark -- receiving All-American honors for their top-15 performance.
"I am very excited to get this opportunity to be the head men's coach at GRCC," Hyde said. "I am looking forward to helping continue to grow this program and work with these amazing athletes to achieve their personal and team goals. It's my honor to be a Raider now and can't wait to see where we can go together from here!"
Hyde ran for Calvin for four years from fall 1993 to spring 1997, and then became a student assistant coach. He stayed at Calvin until fall of 2021, coaching as an assistant to the varsity team and leading the junior varsity program.
Some of Hyde's former athletes would go on to be MIAA All-Conference, All-Regional, Division 3 All-Americans, with one former athlete becoming a national champion in the 10,000 meters in track.
During Hyde's 34-year running career, he has been an all-state runner for Godwin Heights High School, a cross country All-American at Calvin University, placed 31st at the Chicago Marathon, and was Michigan Runner's Masters of the Year when he turned 40. He holds impressive personal records, including a 2:24 marathon, 31:04 10K and 15:06 5K.
Hyde has coached middle school, high school, college cross country and worked as a private coach. He currently coaches the Grand Rapid's adult running group, RunGR.
Hyde also created his own business, Run With It MI, LLC, where he organizes 14 races a year.
Hyde replaces Garrett Lacy who recently landed an assistant coaching position at Northwood University for the cross country and track and field teams.