SALEM, Ore. – One of the most iconic head coaches in Corban University's history will be closing the book on an illustrious career with the Navy and Gold. After 19 seasons at the helm of the Warrior cross country teams and 18 years captaining the school's track & field programs, Norm Berney has announced his retirement from his position as head coach of the four squads.

It has been an illustrious career for Berney, who will assume a new role as an ambassador for the programs.

"It has been a difficult decision to step down," said Berney, "But the reality of age and health concerns in my family have made me realize that I will not have the time to devote to maintaining a competitive program. I have been blessed to be a part of the Corban family and my desire is to be supportive of the track and cross country programs as they move into a new era with the new outdoor athletic complex. May God continue to be the focus of our university as we serve him."

After an accomplished career with numerous athletic organizations, Norm Berney became the first-ever head coach of the cross country programs at Corban University in 2003.  Following success with both the men's and women's cross country teams, Berney started the track & field programs at Corban in 2004.

With the Warriors, Berney has been recognized on numerous occasions, highlighted by his Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Cross Country Coach of the Year accolade in 2006. Prior to that honor, Berney collected the National Christian Colleges Association of America (NCCAA) Coach of the Year award in 2003.

His renown goes beyond just his time at Corban, as he is also a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime service and contribution to the sport of wrestling.

During his time at the helm of the Navy and Gold's cross country and track & field programs, he has developed a combined eight men's NAIA All-Americans, two women's All-Americans, 40 men's national qualifiers, and 40 women's national qualifiers.

Speaking on Berney's retirement, athletic director Sue Roth said: "How do we even begin to honor Norm for his 19 years of service at Corban? Norm's energy and relational capital are unmatched. Coach Berney built the cross country and track & field programs from the ground up, established on the strong foundation of Christ. The hundreds of student-athletes he has recruited have exemplified the Corban mission, and his legacy will speak for itself in the history books of Corban. 

"He has such a heart for this university, and I know he will continue to be one of Corban's great ambassadors," Roth added. "It will be impossible to replace coach Berney, and he will be greatly missed. Please join me in wishing him and his family well as he moves into the next adventure of retirement." 

His legendary career at Corban University will long be remembered, as will his legacy for developing student-athletes of spiritual, academic, and athletic excellence. 

A handful of prominent student-athletes and alumni that were coached by Berney put together a touching message congratulating him on retirement, click the 'Play Button' above to watch it. 

Corban will begin searching for the next head coach of the Warrior cross country and track & field programs.