BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin College Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Ben Raphelson as the new head coach of men's and women's cross country.

The head coach of cross country and track & field at the California Institute of Technology since 2014, Raphelson owns a wealth of collegiate coaching experience and will take the head coaching role of cross country at Bowdoin following the retirement of long-time coach Peter Slovenski this spring. He will also serve as an assistant coach for the Polar Bear track & field programs and head coach L.J. Que.

"I am delighted to announce the hiring of Ben Raphelson as head coach of men's and women's cross country at Bowdoin," said Ashmead White Director of Athletics Tim Ryan. "Ben has demonstrated an exceptional ability to guide members of his programs to the highest levels of athletic achievement, while also remaining laser-focused on the wholistic development of his students and their engagement with academic interests."

"I'm excited about every level of the opportunity at Bowdoin - the student-athletes, the track & field staff, the department, and the community," said Raphelson. "I consider myself very fortunate and am indebted to Tim Ryan and the search committee."

"Working at Caltech for nearly seven years has been rewarding and enriching as we've developed the program's culture and seen growth and success follow that," Raphelson added. "I'll remain a huge fan of the students and people there but I'm excited to immerse myself in a new environment. I think I'm prepared to positively impact the student-athlete experience at Bowdoin and look forward to absorbing all that the community has to offer."

Under Raphelson's tutelage, the cross country squads at Caltech consistently improved and ranked among the region's best by the end of his tenure. During the most recent 2019 season, each squad turned in a record result at the NCAA West Regional Championships and two athletes qualified for the NCAA Cross Country Championships for the first time in program history. Since Raphelson's arrival, three men and four women broke the school records in the 8k and 6k, respectively, and both squads broke the program mark for fastest average time and team finish on multiple occasions. Additionally, Raphelson's teams earned five SCIAC sportsmanship awards, two SCIAC newcomer of the year awards, and all-academic recognition every year.

Raphelson joined Caltech following a second coaching stint at his alma mater, Grinnell College, where he returned in 2013 to assist with the men's and women's cross country and track and field teams. He also has ties to New England, having coached at both Smith and Williams early in his career. While at Williams, he helped guide the Ephs to a top-ten finish on both the men's and women's side at the NCAA Championship, including an individual national champion.

A 2008 Grinnell graduate with a bachelor's degree in history, Raphelson eanrned his Master's Degree in Exercise & Sport Studies from Smith. He holds USA Track and Field Level I and Level II (endurance) certifications and recently earned both his USTFCCCA Throws and Sprint, Hurdle and Relay Event Specialist certifications. He is also NSCA CSCS certified as a strength and conditioning coach.