The Boston Athletic Association today announced coaching changes to the B.A.A. High Performance team. Ricardo Santos, head coach of the B.A.A. High Performance team since February of 2018, has accepted a position as distance running coach at Stanford University, and will begin his new position in September. Morgan Uceny, a 2012 Olympian at 1,500-meters, has been named interim head coach of the B.A.A. High Performance team as the organization begins a search for the next coach.
“Since launching the B.A.A. High Performance program in 2013, we have been very pleased with the team’s direction and the progression of our athletes," said B.A.A. CEO, Tom Grilk. "We thank Ric for his excellent work with us as he joins Stanford, and wish him well in all of his future running endeavors. Ric’s coaching expertise leaves us in a great position for years to come.”
Under Santos, members of the B.A.A. High Performance team raced to a national title at the USATF 15K championships; earned podium finishes at USATF Championships on the roads and in indoor track; and spots on Team USA rosters for the Pan-American Games and IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.
Grilk continued: “We are excited to have Morgan Uceny lead the program in the interim. Throughout her career, Uceny was a fierce competitor with experience racing at the national and international level.”
Uceny, a three-time winner of the B.A.A. Invitational Mile and three-time USA Track & Field national champion, will increase her role with the B.A.A. High Performance team as interim coach. Uceny was the first American woman since 1985 to be ranked No. 1 by Track & Field News at 1,500-meters, holding the top spot in 2011. For over a year, Uceny has assisted the B.A.A. High Performance team with a focus on strength, conditioning, and training programs. The B.A.A. will continue to search for the next head coach of the High Performance team.
The B.A.A. High Performance team supports American runners on their way towards making international teams, with the goal of competing at the highest level: the Olympic Games, IAAF World Championships, and Abbott World Marathon Majors. The B.A.A. is sponsored by adidas, which provides comprehensive support for the running club, Team B.A.A., and its events.
The B.A.A. extends its appreciation to Coach Santos in enhancing the program’s stature among the country's leading post-collegiate running programs. For more information on the B.A.A.'s High Performance team, please visit www.TeamBAA.org.