Florida International University Men's Cross Country

Heberling was named head coach of both the men's and women's track and field/cross country programs at FIU on July 9th, 2014 after spending the previous four years as an assistant and the 2014 season as the interim head coach at FIU. Heberling a native of Vero Beach, Fla., and a graduate of Vero Beach High School was in charge of throwers and recruiting for the programs prior to taking over head coaching duties. 2016-17 will mark Heberlings third year leading the mens and womens track and field/cross country programs at FIU.  The program has seen an influx of elite level talent over Heberlings first two recruiting classes since being named head coach. The program has broadened their recruiting landscape and features many student athletes from Europe, Canada, South America and the Caribbean. Many of Floridas elite high school athletes are making FIU their choice to continue their academic and athletic careers. Heberling and the Panther track teams are intently focused on continuing to improve their performances with the immediate goal of bringing home the Conference USA (C-USA) team title. The 2016 track season was a success for the Panthers as both the men and womens teams improved their standing and point totals at the C-USA Outdoor Championships from the previous year.  2016 saw numerous program records fall. Marcus Ghent capped off his senior year by breaking the school record in the triple jump while also earning second team All-American honors at the NCAA Championship in Eugene, Oregon with a ninth-place finish.  The Panthers earned a school record 13 All C-USA honors during the indoor and outdoor champs.  The outdoor season was highlighted by the development of freshman Clarissa Cutliff breaking the 10-year old high jump record as well as claiming the C-USA title in the event. Miriam Pierre and Tiffanni Hernandez were also able to earn their first conference titles in the discus and javelin respectively at the C-USA outdoor team championships.  Alton Eliphar also picked up right where he left off from the 2015 season by accumulating second place finishes in the 60m, 100m, and 200m at the conference championships. Heberling is the seventh head coach in FIU track and field and cross country history. Heberling is married to the former Carrie Foster. Carrie is a fellow alumni of FIU and competed for the swimming and diving team.  The two enjoy spending their free time on the water with their two dogs Piper and Kai.   Ryan Heberling Head Coach, Throws and Jumps - 3 USTFCCCA All-American Selections - 20 NCAA Regional Qualifiers - 7 Conference USA/Sun Belt Event Champions - 43 Conference USA/Sun Belt All-Conference honors - 2 Sun Belt Conference Freshmen of the Year Ryan Heberling was named head coach of both the men's and women's track and field/cross country programs at FIU on July 9th, 2014 after spending the previous four years as an assistant and the 2014 season as the interim head coach at FIU. Heberling a native of Vero Beach, Fla., and a graduate of Vero Beach High School was in charge of throwers and recruiting for the programs prior to taking over head coaching duties. 2016-17 will mark Heberlings third year leading the mens and womens track and field/cross country programs at FIU.  The program has seen an influx of elite level talent over Heberlings first two recruiting classes since being named head coach. The program has broadened their recruiting landscape and features many student athletes from Europe, Canada, South America and the Caribbean. Many of Floridas elite high school athletes are making FIU their choice to continue their academic and athletic careers. Heberling and the Panther track teams are intently focused on continuing to improve their performances with the immediate goal of bringing home the Conference USA (C-USA) team title. The 2016 track season was a success for the Panthers as both the men and womens teams improved their standing and point totals at the C-USA Outdoor Championships from the previous year.  2016 saw numerous program records fall. Marcus Ghent capped off his senior year by breaking the school record in the triple jump while also earning second team All-American honors at the NCAA Championship in Eugene, Oregon with a ninth-place finish.  The Panthers earned a school record 13 All C-USA honors during the indoor and outdoor champs.  The outdoor season was highlighted by the development of freshman Clarissa Cutliff breaking the 10-year old high jump record as well as claiming the C-USA title in the event. Miriam Pierre and Tiffanni Hernandez were also able to earn their first conference titles in the discus and javelin respectively at the C-USA outdoor team championships.  Alton Eliphar also picked up right where he left off from the 2015 season by accumulating second place finishes in the 60m, 100m, and 200m at the conference championships. Heberling is the seventh head coach in FIU track and field and cross country history. Heberling is married to the former Carrie Foster. Carrie is a fellow alumni of FIU and competed for the swimming and diving team.  The two enjoy spending their free time on the water with their two dogs Piper and Kai.  

Felix enters his second season as graduate assistant coach for track and field, and is the primary coach for the 400-meter and 800-meter athletes, while also assisting in recruiting operations. In 2010, Felix was named FIUs MVP on the mens side. He was also an outstanding student-athlete during his four years at the school. A four-year letter winner at FIU, Felix holds the school records in the 1,600-meter medley (3:25.47) and as a junior Felix was a member of 4x200 meter relay team that broke a 17-year-old school record at New Balance Invitational (1:30.05). He also holds the second-best time in school history in the indoor 400-meter (48.40) and 4x400 meter relay (3:15.31). Before landing a spot on FIUs staff, Felix coach at Orlando track and field power house Colonial High School.  As Colonials sprint coach, Felix helped the girls program win a Metro East, district and region championship in 2012. On the mens side, Felix aided them in achieving a district and region championship, as well as a runner-up finish at the FHSAA State meet.  Felix graduated from FIU with a Bachelors of business administration in management and human resource. He is currently finishing a masters of science in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in social studies education.

Cleary returned to the FIU Athletics program as the Director of Operations for the FIU Golf, Tennis and Track & Field/Cross Country teams in September of 2010. She added the Swimming & Diving program to her responsibilities in 2013. Previously, Nika worked as the Senior Operations Assistant for FIU Football during the 2007-2010 seasons.   Nika is responsible for all operational activities for the FIU Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis and Track & Field/Cross Country teams. She coordinates team and recruiting travel arrangements and logistics including hotel, transportation, and meals; oversees the student-athlete academics; monitors each team budget, orders, inventories, and distributes team uniforms and equipment; and acts as main contact for home events. Nika has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Management at FIU.       Nika Cleary Director of Operations Nika Cleary returned to the FIU Athletics program as the Director of Operations for the FIU Golf, Tennis and Track & Field/Cross Country teams in September of 2010. She added the Swimming & Diving program to her responsibilities in 2013. Previously, Nika worked as the Senior Operations Assistant for FIU Football during the 2007-2010 seasons.   Nika is responsible for all operational activities for the FIU Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis and Track & Field/Cross Country teams. She coordinates team and recruiting travel arrangements and logistics including hotel, transportation, and meals; oversees the student-athlete academics; monitors each team budget, orders, inventories, and distributes team uniforms and equipment; and acts as main contact for home events. Nika has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Management at FIU.