Pat Quinn will be stepping down as head coach of the girls’ cross country program, and continuing as an assistant coach
CHICAGO (June 7, 2024) – Marist High School has announced a change in leadership for its girls’ cross country program. Nora Doyle ‘18 has been named the 2nd girls’ cross country head coach in program history, as Pat Quinn steps down after 54 years of coaching at Marist.
As head coach of the girls’ cross country program, Coach Quinn had all-state runners, two teams qualify for state, and a ten regional championships, with a period of 5 consecutive years where he led regional champions. Coach Quinn has been inducted into both the Marist and ESCC Halls of Fame, as well as in the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (ITCCA) Hall of Fame.
Nora Doyle ran cross country and track under Coach Quinn for all four years of her Marist career. During her sophomore year, her team was the first girls team to qualify for state in cross country. After graduating Marist, Doyle ran cross country and track at The College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. It was after graduation that Nora realized she wanted to continue coaching and working with student-athletes. She started coaching at Marist alongside Pat Quinn last season in 2023. Nora said, “working with Coach Quinn after running for him was completely different. I found working with him grew my love for running and for the sport. It is so inspiring to see someone still passionate about coaching after 50+ years of cross country. It will be hard to follow in his footsteps after he built such a strong program. I am very much looking forward to continuing his legacy and helping young women fall in love with the sport and create inseparable bonds with their teammates throughout the seasons.”
Coach Quinn added, “My success in coaching has always been built upon the dedicated coaches around me. Nora has the passion, dedication and know-how to infuse the program to more “honor, glory and fame. The RedHawks will continue to fly high with her leadership for many years to come.”
Although the RedHawks have placed second place in many conference championships, they are yet to win the conference. Coach Doyle’s goal as Head Coach is to make Coach Quinn proud and finally bring home the conference title.
