PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Bobby Farrell announced that Nicol Starkes (formerly Traynor) has been named Associate Head Coach. Starkes served as the interim in the role during the 2024 cross country season. Additionally, New Jersey native Lex Westley was hired as an assistant coach. A former NCAA cross country national qualifier, Westley will work with the distance group.
Starkes is in her fourth season with the Scarlet Knights, serving as assistant coach with the cross country team and distance group from 2021-2024. She arrived ‘On The Banks’ following a five-year stint at NYU where she was involved in all facets of the men’s and women’s programs, with her primary focus being on the distance and middle distance student-athletes.
“I would like to thank Coach Farrell and our administration for their trust in me to lead the distance program,” said Starkes. “I’m also excited to have brought on Lexi Westley in an assistant role. Her success in the Big Ten as a student-athlete will translate well into this coaching role.”
“I’m excited to announce Coach Starkes’ new role in the program,” said Farrell. “Over the last few years, she’s become a critical asset to our staff and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow the distance program.”
The Rutgers distance program has experienced marked improvements, capturing several indoor and outdoor school records, including the 800, 1,500, mile, 3,000-meter and distance medley relay. The women’s cross country squads have posted the top-2 team finishes in program history in back-to-back season (2021, 2022) and Alex Carlson became a two-time NCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region honoree (2022, 2023) for a pair of top-20 finishes. It marked the first Scarlet Knight to earn all-region selection since 2015 and her 10th-place performance in 2023 was the best individual finish since 2003.
During her five-year career with the Violets, Starkes helped guide several successful moments, including NCAA Championship qualifiers, All-Americans, conference Rookie of the Year honors, and all-region performers.
Two more of Starkes’ cross country runners, freshman Leah Haley and junior Dillan Spector, also qualified for the NCAA Championship. During the 2018 cross country season, Ben Haderle earned NCAA All-Atlantic Region honors and…
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