September 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolel Grills
(413) 585-2703

Ben Raphelson Joins Cross-Country Staff

Northampton, MA: Grinnell College graduate, Ben Raphelson, has joined the Smith College Cross-Country coaching ranks as a graduate assistant coach. Raphelson, who has enrolled in the Masters Program in the Exercise and Sport Studies Department with an emphasis on coaching, is due to receive his M.S. in May, 2012.

Head cross-country coach Ellen O'Neil is pleased to have Ben join her staff this fall. "We're fourtunate to have Ben join our program this year.  He comes to Smith with valued college coaching experience, having been an assistant last year at Grinnell.  He's a student of the sport so we look forward to learning from him, as he will from us."

Raphelson graduated from Grinnell in 2008 and majored in history.  A four-year member of the cross-country team, he received multiple varsity letters and academic all conference honors as well as his team taking the Midwest Conference Cross-Country title all four years.  He has received his USATF Level 1 certification.