CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jake Krolick has stepped down as Queens University of Charlotte director of men's and women's track & field and cross country, Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced.
 
"Jake's commitment to our program both in the final years of DII and in our transition to DI has been excellent in helping our student-athletes make an immediate impact at the conference level," Swarthout stated. "He has assembled a talented staff and his student-athletes have thrived under their leadership. We wish Jake the best as he transitions into a new role outside of college athletics."
 
Krolick joined the Royals in the fall of 2021 ahead of the indoor track and field season after spending five seasons at the helm of the West Texas A&M cross-country programs. That year, Queens' final season in DII, the Royals won the SAC Men's Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships while also winning the SAC Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship. Additionally, Queens saw five men earn All-American honors in seven events across the indoor and outdoor season. On the women's side, eight individuals earned All-American honors in seven events. 
 
In the Royals' first few seasons at the DI level, Krolick has developed the men's cross country team into a top-five finisher at the ASUN Championships while the women took sixth place at this year's championships. Additionally, Melanie Welsing made history for the Royals winning the first ASUN Championship for the program at the indoor conference championships in 2023. She then went on to win three more championships at the 2023 ASUN Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
 
"I'm very grateful for my time here at Queens," Krolick commented. "I have learned a lot about myself as a professional and a coach. Thank you, Cherie Swarthout, for believing in me and supporting my efforts here at Queens. Queens and the city of Charlotte are a great place. I have learned there is a lot of opportunity here and I have chosen to pursue an opportunity outside of coaching in sales. I look forward to watching continued success build in our track and field and cross country programs."
 
Prior to joining the Royals, Krolick coached the highest-ever program and individual finishes in men's and women's cross country at West Texas A&M and was a part of 13 Lone Star Conference titles and an NCAA Track & Field Championship.
 
In cross country, Krolick coached the Buffs to five LSC Championship titles on the men's side and four runner-up finishes on the women's side. This led Krolick to be named LSC Coach of the Year for four years. Additionally, the programs made five NCAA Championship appearances. On the track & field side, Krolick was pivotal in the success of the program as a top assistant. He coached two NCAA 800-meter National Champions and 14 All-Americans. Additionally, the 2017 and 2021 South Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year saw 20 individuals and two DMR teams qualify for NCAA competition while also having coached 73 All-LSC athletes and 35 LSC Event Champions.
 
The Royals are currently competing in their second NCAA DI season as a member of the ASUN Conference.
 
Dragan Pesic will be elevated to acting head coach for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
 

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