WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University announced that head cross country and track coach Mark Rennix has resigned from his position for family reasons. He plans on returning to his home state of South Carolina.
 
"This decision comes from doing what is best for my family at this time," Rennix said. "I am grateful for my time at PBA and for the relationships and experiences that have come with it. I'm thankful that the Lord brought our family to PBA, and I trust His guidance as we go into this next chapter back home. I wish everyone associated with the program continued success."
 
During his tenure, Rennix guided the Sailfish to unprecedented success, highlighted by the women's cross country program's first NCAA South Region Championship this past fall, leading to Rennix being named the USTFCCCA South Region Coach of the Year.
 
"We are grateful for Mark's leadership and dedication to our student-athletes during his time at Palm Beach Atlantic," PBA Athletic Director Courtney Lovely Evans said. "His team's accomplishments during his time at PBA helped elevate our cross country programs on the national stage. While we will miss having him as part of our department, we fully support his decision and wish him and his family the very best."
 
Rennix also coached one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history in Colten Lee. Under his guidance, Lee became the first NCAA South Region individual champion in Palm Beach Atlantic history and earned the men's program's first NCAA All-America honor.
 
In addition to the program's regional and national achievements, Rennix led the men's cross country program to its best finish in school history at the Sunshine State Conference championships in the fall. On the track, both programs set several new records in distance events.
 
A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately.