Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop University Athletic Director Chuck Rey announced the hiring of Raffael Craig as the head track & field/cross country coach on Thursday afternoon, to see Craig become the third head coach in the history of the track & field program
“We are excited to welcome Raffael Craig as the next Head Coach for Track & Field and Cross Country, a leader whose integrity, vision, character, and energy sets the tone for a bold new era in our program’s history,” stated Rey. “His commitment to developing culture, character, and well-rounded student-athletes, while striving for championships, aligns perfectly with Winthrop Eagles values and mission.”
He spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Purdue, coaching the jumpers and combined athlete events. Under his guidance, he saw 17 All-Big Ten athlete honors, including a First-Team All-American in the pentathlon, with a Second-Team All-American honor in the triple jump. Rounding out his time in West Lafayette, he helped lead thirteen athletes to Purdue All-Time Top-Ten honors, adding on three school records in the women’s pentathlon in 2025.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named the head track & field and cross country coach at Winthrop University,” said Craig. “This program has tremendous potential, and I’m excited to build a culture focused on development, discipline, and long-term success. I look forward to working with our support staff to give our student-athletes the best experience while they help me Rock the Hill.”
Prior to Purdue, Craig served as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech University, coaching the Conference USA Champion in the heptathlon event, along with three additional top-six finishes in long jump and triple jump. Before his time with the Bulldogs, he tipped his toes into the collegiate sphere with a volunteer position at Texas Tech University, helping to lead six Red Raiders to earn All-American accolades, being highlighted by the 2021 NCAA Indoor triple jump champion, Ruth Urso.
Ahead of his time in the college ranks, Craig spent 15 years at Millville High School in Millville, New Jersey. At Millville, he led the team to #1 Ranked Public School spot in New Jersey, following that up with a 2020 Preseason New Jersey #1 Public School ranking. Under his tutelage, Craig guided 18 athletes to colleges on scholarships, coaching the 2019 New Balance Outdoor National Champion, Bryanna Craig, in the heptathlon.
Craig, a 2000 Big East pentathlon champion at the University of Connecticut, earned All-Big East honors four times during his collegiate career. He was inducted into the South Jersey Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013 and went on to become an eight-time USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field national champion in 2018 and 2019.