Q&A: ECXC Off To Races Under New Head Coach Chris Ludwig

The Ellwood City cross country team is off the races this 2026 season under the direction of new head coach Chris Ludwig.

Ludwig enters his 15th year teaching and fourth year with the cross country program and enters the head coaching position vacated by Nate Brown.

The cross country teams start their season on Saturday, September 5th when they participate in the 54th Marty Uher Vulcan Invitational at California University of Pennsylvania (PennWest) before beginning Class 2A-1 section play with a tri-county meet on September 8th at Beaver Falls.

The Ellwood City boys team placed 3rd in the WPIAL Championships last October.

GET TO KNOW HEAD COACH CHRIS LUDWIG:

Age: 39
Hometown: Ellwood City, Class of 2006
Family: I have two dogs and I’m a twin

Q: How long have you been with Ellwood City SD and a cross country organization?
A: This will be the start of my 15th year teaching but will only be my fourth year with the district and also with the cross country program.

Q: What is your background/experience in cross country and running?
A: I ran for Ellwood during my time here in 2003-2006 and I was a member of the 2005 WPIAL Champion & PIAA Runner-Up XC team and I was also a PIAA qualifier in the 4×800 relay and 1600 meters in track. I then ran for Cal U of PA from 2006-2009. I’ve also coached for six years between my time at Northeast, MD and Ellwood City (XC = 5 years, Indoor Track = 3 years, and Outdoor Track = 6 years).

Q: How did you learn about the position opening and apply?
A: Our previous head coach, Nate Brown, had shared with me that he was stepping away and I applied through the school as soon as the opening became available.

Q: What is one thing that attracted you to the position?
A: I’ve been working as an assistant coach with the running program the past few years and I work in the district as well so I have a rapport with the athletes and have helped establish a standard and culture here already.

Q: What is one obstacle you feel you may face as a first-year head coach?
A: Being a high school teacher, recruiting at the younger levels will be a challenge as we try to encourage kids to run for fun first and then help fill our Jr High rosters enough to have a team to compete.

Q: What can athletes expect from you as a coach?
A: The kids can expect to have a program focused around them and their personal growth and healthy habits that not only improve their running capabilities but also the quality of their lives.

Q: What is one thing or habit that plays as well today as it did when you were in high school?
A: Simply being intentional with what you’re doing and believing in yourself and team every day.

Q: What is one thing you feel you do well as a coach/leader?
A: I feel, with help from great assistant coaches and our booster organization, we’ve set up a system that focuses on consistency and appreciating the little details that then builds our kids’ confidences and empowers them to believe in themselves and embrace challenges.

Q: What can fans/parents expect from you as a coach?
A: Our parents and running fans can expect us to show up prepared and ready to represent the Ellwood City running community and be competitive at every race in the section, WPIAL, and PIAA.

Q: Biggest event or notable opponent on the schedule to look forward to facing?
A: WPIALS for sure on 10/29 but also our last dual meet of the season on 10/6 against Quaker Valley and Mohawk which may likely decide the section champion.