COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia International University (CIU) Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Benny Morgan has made the decision to retire from collegiate coaching and will step away from the helm of the Rams' men's and women's cross country and track & field programs.

"We are grateful for the time Coach Morgan has given to our program and to our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Stefan Vasiloff, "We are praying for a smooth transition for Coach Morgan and his family as he takes the next steps in his professional journey."

Morgan leaves CIU after leading the Rams through success during the 2024-2025 campaigns. Under his leadership, CIU athletes earned 1 NAIA All-American honor, 10 NCCAA All-American accolades (three indoor, seven outdoor), and crowned three NCCAA Outdoor National Champions. On the conference stage, his teams secured five Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) individual titles, while producing 19 All-Conference performances across the indoor and outdoor seasons. Among those accolades was standout thrower Kloey Pickens being named the 2025 AAC Women's Field Athlete of the Year.

Morgan also played a pivotal role operationally, as CIU successfully hosted the NCCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships for the third consecutive year in 2025.

Hired in 2024, Morgan brought a wealth of experience to CIU, spanning high school, NAIA, and NCAA Division I and II levels. Prior to his time in Columbia, he led programs at Wilson and McBee High Schools in South Carolina and coached in the high school ranks in North Carolina. At the collegiate level, Morgan coached at Coker University, Duke, Campbell, Winston-Salem State, Kennesaw State, Clark Atlanta, and Life University. His career has produced NCAA All-Americans, nationally ranked teams, and even an NAIA national champion.

A nationwide search is underway for the next CIU Director of Cross Country and Track & Field.