MOBILE, Ala. - University of Mobile Athletic Director Sally Shouppe officially announced the promotion of Leith Rawson to interim head coach of the University of Mobile Track and Field / Cross Country programs on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28. The promotion comes following the resignation of longtime head coach Andy Canegitta, who is set to depart the university on Dec. 15 after spending the last decade leading both the track and field and cross country teams.
Rawson, a former Ram and graduate of the University of Mobile, was hired as assistant coach under Canegitta ahead of the 2022-23 academic year, and has helped Canegitta lead the cross country and track and field programs to see several NAIA National Championship qualifiers throughout his first season. As a student-athlete, Rawson was an established member of the University of Mobile Men's Cross Country program from 2016-2020, becoming the first Ram since 2008 to earn an individual qualifying bid to the NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship, while earning SSAC All-Conference honors.
Before his time at the University of Mobile, Rawson graduated from Satsuma High School and is a native of Satsuma, Ala. Following his high school graduation, he attended the University of Mobile for his undergraduate degree from 2016-2020, where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. More recently, Rawson received his MBA from the university before being hired on as assistant coach.
"We are thrilled that Leith has agreed to take over the successful track and field and cross country programs here at the university," athletic director Sally Shouppe said following the official announcement. "We have no doubt that he will do a great job leading ours teams as we begin preparing for the start of the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons."
The 2023-24 indoor track and field season is scheduled to begin on Friday, Dec. 1 in Birmimgham, Ala. with Canegitta making the trip to lead the team. Rawson is scheduled to travel with two additional runners from Mobile for the national marathon event this weekend. Following Friday's season opener in Birmingham, Ala. for the UM Indoor Track and Field teams, Rawson will then take over the program officially on Jan. 1 on an interim basis ahead of the next meet on the schedule in Baton Rouge, La. The outdoor track and field season is scheduled to begin in March of 2024.
Sally Shouppe expressed gratitude for Canegitta's time at the University of Mobile saying, "We thank him for his dedication and leadership while here at the University of Mobile and look forward to seeing what is next for him and his wonderful family."
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
