BOSTON – Director of Athletics Cary McConnell has announced the appointment of James Petersen as the head coach for Suffolk University's men's and women's cross country teams Thursday afternoon.  

"I'd like to welcome James to the Suffolk community," McConnell stated. "He has helped develop individual athletes into great competitors on the course and seen them flourish, while helping to mentor them into valuable members of our society. James' enthusiasm and energy for the Rams makes him a perfect fit for the University and the cross country programs."

"It's an honor to be named the head coach of the Suffolk University men's and women's cross country teams," Petersen said. "I look forward to joining such a great University and improving the cross country program by utilizing my coaching philosophy of customized training for each athlete's physiological needs in order to bring out the best in each and every individual. I look forward to training my athletes to their best potential and building a successful program at Suffolk."

A 2014 graduate of Bentley University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems, Petersen started and competed with the Falcons triathlon team. During his three-year collegiate career, he qualified twice for the collegiate Draft Legal Nationals as one of the top 75 collegiate men in the country. Away from the collegiate circuit in 2014, Petersen represented Age-Group Team USA at Triathlon Worlds. As a senior, he was elected the Commissioner of the Northeast Collegiate Triathlon Conference by 25-plus Northeast collegiate triathlon clubs, a post he continues to hold today. Upon graduating, Petersen began his collegiate coaching career when he transitioned from competitor to head coach of Bentley's triathlon team.  Also during his collegiate tenure, he began his own endurance coaching business, Nor'easter Triathlon, where he coaches triathletes, swimmers, cyclists and runners alike. 

Throughout his training and coaching career Petersen has attained several coaching certifications including USA Triathlon Level II, USA Triathlon Youth and Junior, USA Cycling Level III, USA Track and Field and ASCA. In January 2014 he broadened his coaching knowledge when he took his first visit to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to work with Olympic level athletes and coaches. 

Petersen continues to compete in endurance sports himself with the ultimate goal of becoming a professional triathlete.