Entering his sixth season as the head coach of the Shepherd men’s and women’s cross country teams is Chuck Walters. Walters took over both programs in 2020-21 as Shepherd competed in cross country for the first time since 2003.
The Rams competed in six meets in 2024 with a ninth place showing ay the Galen Piper Invitational highlighting the season.
Shepherd competed in six meets in 2023 with a second place finish in a seven-team field at the Hood College Blazer Blitz highlighting the season. The Rams finished eighth place or better in three meets.
The Rams competed in six meets in 2022 with a 13th place finish in a 17-team field at the Inter Regional Border Battle highlighting the competition.
Shepherd competed in six meets in 2021 with a ninth place finish in an 18-team field at the Hood College Open highlighting the season.
Both the men's and women's teams competed as individuals in 2020-21.
Walters came to Shepherd after coaching cross country and track at nearby Martinsburg High School. He was the assistant cross-country coach at Martinsburg from 2012-17. Walters was also an assistant track coach (mid-distance) at Martinsburg from 2017-18 before taking on head coaching duties in 2019. In his first year he led the Martinsburg girls team to the 2019 Region II - AAA Championship and a Top Ten finish in the state.
Walters graduated from Geneva College (Pa.) in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. He added a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from American College of Education in 2014.
Walters competed for the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams at Geneva. He was an NCCAA National Qualifier in Indoor Track and Field in 2012 in the 5K and an NCCAA National Qualifier in Outdoor Track and Field in 2012 in the 10K.
He is an active runner and has participated in five marathons, including the Freedom’s Run and the prestigious Boston Marathon.
