BRUNSWICK, Maine – Peter Slovenski, Director of Track & Field and head coach of men's and women's cross country, has announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year.

A mainstay at Bowdoin since 1987, Slovenski coached in 102 consecutive seasons, won seven New England Small College Athletic Conference championships and guided 129 All-Americans in his tenure.

"Peter Slovenski has provided academic and athletic guidance, as well as personal mentorship, to thousands of Bowdoin students during his tenure at the College," said Ashmead White Director of Athletics Tim Ryan. "Providing a well-rounded, Division III experience for our students has always been a priority for Peter and, as a fixture at Farley Field House, he has played a prominent role in the Bowdoin and greater Midcoast community, which are both better as a result of his efforts."

"It was a great honor to be the coach of the Bowdoin athletes who made so many contributions to what we were trying to do in practices and track meets. They participated with poise, courage, intelligence, humility, and good sportsmanship. I was impressed by the way our athletes came through for the college in competition and in the classroom." 

Arriving at Bowdoin in the fall of 1987, Slovenski carried the storied tradition of Bowdoin's track & field programs into the new century, leading the Polar Bears to seven NESCAC Championships including two in women's track & field (1992, '93), two in women's cross country (1992, '95) and three in men's cross country (1991, 2001, '02). Among his 129 All-Americans were five NCAA Division III Champions; individuals Darcy Storin (outdoor 3000M in 1995, 5000M in 1996) and Coby Horwitz (indoor mile, 2014), along with relay crowns in the 2012 Men's Distance Medley Relay and 2018 Women's Distance Medley Relay. He also served as host and Meet Director for the 1989 and 1993 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships at Farley Field House.

Although well-known nationally in the collegiate athletic community, Slovenski is best-known locally for running the summer Bowdoin Day Camp for 31 years, serving as mentor to multiple generations of Brunswick-area children.

Slovenski is a 1979 graduate of Dartmouth College, where he was a four-year letterwinner in winter and spring track. He set freshman records in the decathlon and pole vault and was an All-Ivy track selection in the pole vault in 1977 and 1978. He received an M.A. in educational administration and policy analysis from Stanford University in 1980.

Plans for the future leadership of the track & field and cross country programs will be announced in the coming weeks.