Owosso, MI — Baker College has named Adam Trausch as its new Head Cross Country Coach, bringing nearly 15 years of collegiate coaching experience and a proven track record of building successful programs, developing student-athletes, and fostering academic achievement.
A Michigan native from Grand Rapids, Trausch joins Baker after serving as head men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach in Arkansas. He successfully relaunched the institution’s cross country programs and later expanded his leadership role to include track and field and athletic compliance responsibilities. Trausch guided student-athletes to conference championships, all-conference honors, national qualifying performances, and academic recognition.
In 2024, Trausch and his staff were named USCAA Men’s Cross Country Coaching Staff of the Year, and in 2022 he was recognized as the American Midwest Conference Coach of Character. His teams consistently earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors, reflecting his commitment to excellence both on the course and in the classroom.
“We are excited to welcome Adam to Baker College Athletics,” said Heather Bateman, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Athletics. “His experience building programs from the ground up, commitment to student-athlete development, and track record of competitive and academic success make him an outstanding addition to our team.”
Trausch’s coaching career includes collegiate stops at Defiance College, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he helped mentor conference champions, all-conference performers, and nationally recognized student-athletes.
A former cross country and track and field student-athlete at Davenport University, Trausch was the first runner in program history and earned four WHAC All-Conference selections while also being recognized as a Daktronics Scholar-Athlete throughout his collegiate career. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health service administration and is a USATF Level 1 certified coach.
“I’m excited and honored to be named the head cross country coach at Baker College,” said Trausch. “Being from Michigan, it’s especially meaningful to return to the state and join Baker College. I look forward to fostering a competitive and positive culture while developing our student-athletes and building a program that values relationships, accountability, and sustained success.”
As Baker College continues to grow its athletics programs, Trausch will lead recruiting efforts and help establish a strong foundation for cross country while supporting the college’s commitment to student success, leadership development, and competitive excellence.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about Baker Athletics and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.