Loyola Names Andy Canegitta Head Cross Country Coach

Posted: May 28, 2008 for Cross Country and Track

New Orleans, La.- Loyola University New Orleans Athletic Director Dr. Michael Giorlando announced the hiring of Andy Canegitta as head cross country and track coach today.

“We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Andy Canegitta as our head cross country and track coach. Andy comes to us with a reputation as a relentless recruiter. He has the ability to relate well to his athletes and understands the mission of our university. We are excited to have Andy as part of our department,” stated Giorlando.

Canegitta comes to Loyola after spending time as an assistant at Warner Southern College and Webber International University.

At Warner Southern, Canegitta served under current Montreat College head coach Joes Larios and spearheaded the recruiting efforts for the Royals, while assisting in the day to day operations of the program. In 2004, Warner Southern won the NAIA Region 14 and Florida Sun Conference Championships. The Royals were also ranked as high as 20th in the NAIA National Poll.

Prior to Warner Southern, Canegitta was an assistant at Webber International, where he had athletes qualify for the NAIA Cross Country and Track National Championships in each of his three seasons. He also coached five sub-two minute athletes in the 800 meters. Canegitta assisted with the addition of a track and field team for the Warriors by recruiting nearly 40 new athletes in the inaugural season.

Canegitta received a bachelor’s degree from Webber International in sports management in 2001. While at Webber, he was a four year letter winner in cross country and track and was a member of three Florida Sun Conference Championship teams. He later earned his master’s in business administration from the university in 2004.

Canegitta is married to the former Kerrian Montaque. The couple has two children Andy Jr. (4) and Naomi (2).

“I want to thank Dr. Giorlando and the search committee for the opportunity to be the head coach at Loyola University New Orleans. I look forward to working with the current members of the team and start building a program that the University can be proud of,” commented Canegitta.

Canegitta replaces Al Seither, who retired in May after five years at the helm.

Comment from Jose Larios, Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at Montreat College:

“While at Warner Southern College, Coach Canegitta was one of the best young recruiters in central Florida. His eagerness to learn, humbleness to ask, and drive to succeed is as high as any young coach out there. I believe Loyola University is getting a tremendous coach. He was a huge asset to Warner Southern’s growth and national prominence in cross country and track & field. I am certain he will do similar things at Loyola.”