Paul Spangler, a former Alabama cross country NCAA qualifier and All-Southeastern Conference selection, has returned to the SEC and will join the Gator coaching staff as an assistant coach for distance and cross country, University of Florida track and field head coach Mike Holloway announced today.

Spangler, a 10-year assistant track and head cross country coach at The Virginia Military Institute, will oversee the development and performance of UF’s distance student-athletes throughout the track and field indoor and outdoor seasons, while coaching the Gator men’s and women’s cross country squads through the fall season.