After six seasons as Jefferson Forest’s cross country coach, Colby Delbene is moving up to the collegiate ranks.
Delbene was recently named Virginia Wesleyan’s cross country coach and assistant director of track and field at the Virginia Beach university.
“Colby is one of the bright young coaches in the profession,” said Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at VWU. “As a former NCAA Division I cross country and track standout and additional experience as a Division III and prep coach, he brings much to the program and we look forward to him joining the Marlin Family.”
During his tenure at Jefferson Forest, he led the transformation of the Cavaliers to annual statewide contenders. The JF boys team won the state championship in 2020 and in 2019 the JF girls finished second in the state while the boys took third. This past season, JF’s boys were seventh and the girls were third.
Delbene coached 13 cross country runners to All-State honors, as well as competitors in the boys 800m run, boys 1,600m run, girls 1,000m run, girls 1,600m run, and the girls 4x800 relay team.
“I thank Ms. Hoover-Erbig and coach (Cameia) Alexander for this opportunity,” Delbene said. “The university’s location in Coastal Virginia, the beautiful campus and academic reputation, and the new facilities, make this an ideal opportunity.”
In addition to his experience as a high school coach, Delbene served as an assistant at the University of Lynchburg during the 2015-2016 season. He also assisted with the planning and meet management for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championship meet.
Delbene competed on the NCAA Division I cross country and track programs at Central Connecticut State University. While competing for the Blue Devils, Delbene won the 2012 Northeast Conference Cross Country Championship race enroute to leading his team to its fourth consecutive team victory. During the 2012 indoor track season he placed first at the NEC Championship meet in the mile run and helped his team finish first in the distance medley relay. For the 2012 outdoor track season, Delbene placed second in the 1,500 and 5,000 meter runs. DelBene also served as team captain his junior and senior seasons.
Delbene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Central Connecticut State University and received his Masters in Teaching from Liberty University.