Head Coach Mark Savino

Penn State Altoona Athletics Director Fredina Ingold announced the hiring of Tyrone native Mark Savino as the Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country coach effective immediately.  Savino brings a wealth of running knowledge and experience to the position along with a diverse coaching background at the high school and youth levels.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Mark as our new cross country coach and feel confident that he will do an outstanding job,” said Ingold.  “His dedication and coaching philosophies will ensure success for our student-athletes at various levels and maintain the excellent reputation of our cross country programs.”

Savino, who remains active in the sport by running 35 miles per week, was a standout cross country runner at Tyrone Area High School and was a three-time District qualifier who also appeared in the PIAA State Championships as a junior.

Since 2002, Savino has worked full-time for Cen-Clear Child Services of Philipsburg as a Staffing and Case Manager Coordinator of its Mental Health Division.  He attended Penn State Altoona and graduated from University Park, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

Savino inherits a women’s team that finished runner-up at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships in 2008 despite consisting of entirely freshmen.  The Lion men took third at the 10-team AMCC Championships, which was hosted by Penn State Altoona.