University of North Carolina Athletics
Olympic Gold Medalist Pettigrew Joins UNC Track Staff
July 18, 2006 | Track & Field
July 18, 2006
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Former Olympic gold medalist Antonio Pettigrew was named the sprints, hurdles and relays coach at the University of North Carolina, head coach Dennis Craddock announced Monday. Pettigrew will replace Kendra Warren, who will remain on staff in an administrative capacity.
Pettigrew is a 1992 graduate of St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, N.C., and a 2000 Olympic gold medalist in the 1,600-meter relay. A five-time world champion and a world record holder in the 4x4, Pettigrew was a 10-time All-America performer and four-time Division II NCAA champion in the 400 while at St. Augustine's.
In addition to his Olympic and world championship titles, Pettigrew is a five-time U.S. champion in the 400 meters over a span of 12 years. His first title came in 1989, just two years after graduating from high school, and his last came in 2001.
"I am very happy to have found a young man with the athletic experience as an athlete and coach as Antonio," Craddock said. "He is a fine young man who has lived here in the Triangle area for several years coaching on the high school and collegiate levels. I've watched him grow and mature as an athlete to now a coach, husband and father. He will do an outstanding job as a leader of young people and give them the expertise they need to be successful on and off the track. I am very excited to have the Pettigrew family join our family here at UNC."
Pettigrew comes to Carolina from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, where he spent the last three years as director of cross country and track and field. Under Pettigrew, Cardinal Gibbons won state championships in both boys and girls track and field and boys and girls cross country. Prior to 2003, Pettigrew spent three years as an assistant at St. Augustine's.
While at St. Augustine's, Pettigrew coached 30 All-America performers and helped lead the men to an NCAA title in 1996 and the women to an NCAA championship a year later.
Pettigrew will replace Warren, who has decided to move to an administrative role in order to spend more time with her family. Warren had coached the Tar Heel sprinters and hurdlers for the past seven years.
"We are very happy that Kendra will be staying on to help our program," Craddock said.
