Barribeau named Marian College cross country coach
FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Marian College is pleased to announce the hiring of Archie Barribeau as the men’s and women’s cross country in its first year of reinstatement. The Sabres will begin competition this fall in the Northern Athletics Conference. Barribeau, a Marian alum, ran for the Sabres from 1993-1996 when the Sabres competed at the NAIA and Division III levels.

Barribeau, an Elementary Education major and English minor at Marian, earned All-Conference honors in 1994, 1995, and 1996 as a harrier at Marian. He also competed at the NAIA District Meets in 1993 and 1995. Barribeau’s 27:48 time in the 5-mile run is currently the school record as he achieved this at the Concordia Invitational in 1995. In his four years with the Sabres, he received various awards including being voted the most valuable runner on the team, as well as earning the spirit and leadership awards.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity coach at my alma mater. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to Marian and I think this is a great opportunity to help others,” stated Barribeau. “I am hopeful that we can build a successful program in the near future,” stated Barribeau.

Barribeau, a Fond du Lac resident, has been employed at Chegwin Elementary School since 1998 as an intermediate teacher. He currently works with fourth and fifth graders, implementing and instructing curriculum. He was voted Teacher-of-the-Year in 2002. At Chegwin, Barribeau is the boy’s basketball coach and the running coach. As the running coach, he has implemented a youth program introducing students to running and staying healthy. He coaches runners in USATF events, Hershey track meets, city track meets, and a number of road races. Barribeau has also coached the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade cross country teams at Woodworth since 1998.

Barribeau has nine years of experience in coaching high school cross country as well. From 1996-2003, he was the head coach at St. Mary Central High School in Menasha. He built the program up from six runners to twenty-eight runners by the end of his coaching tenure. He also helped lead the Zephyrs to six state appearances. In 2004, he was the assistant coach at Fondy High School.

Barribeau has competed in over 50 marathons since 1991, including having participated in the Boston Marathon thirteen times.

“I am very excited to announce the hiring of Archie Barribeau to our men’s and women’s cross country program,” stated Marian College Athletic Director Doug Hammonds. “I believe Archie will be able to combine his coaching and teaching experience to help build a solid program here at Marian College,” stated Hammonds.

Courtesy of Marian College, Sports Information Department, July 31, 2007.