Northwestern University Athletics
April Likhite Named Head Women's Cross Country Coach
4/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country & Track
April 6, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. -- April Likhite, Northwestern's head coach from 1998-2001, was named head coach of Northwestern University's women's cross country program today by Director of Athletics Mark Murphy.
Likhite, who went by her maiden name, April Ecke, in her first stint with the Wildcats, begins her duties Monday, April 30. She replaces Amy Tush, who resigned earlier this year.
"I"m excited that April has accepted our offer to become head coach of our cross country program," Director of Athletics Mark Murphy said. "It is very unique in athletics that you can hire a coach for the same position in which they've had success in the past. I'm sure she never thought she would come back to Northwestern when she left, but life takes funny twists sometimes. We are fortunate she is back in the area. She did a great job for us when she was here previously, and I am confident that the program will thrive again under her leadership."
Likhite, then April Ecke, served as head coach from 1998-2000, resurrecting NU's cross country program after a 10-year absence. In three years under her watch, Northwestern placed fifth at the Big Ten Championships, narrowly missing qualifying for the NCAA Championships. That same year, Rachel Evjen qualified individually for the event, making her the first in program history.
"In 1998 we began our journey to build a successful cross country-only program at Northwestern University," Likhite said. "After leaving the program six years ago due to relocation, I am thrilled and honored to be given the opportunity to return to my post as the women's cross country coach."
"I firmly believe that because Northwestern is a top-notch University and is part of the great city of Chicago, it is not only possible to be competitive within the Big Ten Conference, but to also be nationally competitive," Likhite said. "I'm ready for this new challenge given to me by Mark Murphy, John Mack and the NU administration, and I look forward to working with the young women who are currently part of the Northwestern cross country team."
Prior to her arrival in Evanston, Likhite was the head women's track and field coach and head men's and women's cross country coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She began her college coaching career at Alabama in 1995 where she served as an assistant coach for both men's and women's track and field and cross country.
As a student at Mississippi State, Likhite enjoyed a stellar cross country career. She was named Southeastern Conference Student-Athlete of the Year in 1995. She made the All-America cross country team in 1993 and was an All-SEC pick in 1992 and 1993.
She holds Mississippi State records in the 3,000-meter outdoor and 5,000-meter indoor and outdoor events. Likhite was named an Academic All-American in 1993, was a four-time Academic All-SEC honoree and was given the award as the top student-athlete at Mississippi State three straight years.
Likhite has spent the last six years teaching physical education and coaching cross country in several school districts in Detroit's suburbs.
Likhite graduated from Mississippi State in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and elementary education, and in 1997 received her master of arts degree in human performance/teacher education from the University of Alabama.
Likhite resides in Evanston with her husband Craig and their 14-month old son Cade.
