Westfield State University Men's Cross Country

Devine begins his ninth season as the head coach of the Westfield State University mens and womens cross country teams in 2016. He has guided the Westfield women to eight straight conference championships while the Westfield men have won four conference crowns during his tenure. Devine is also an assistant coach (distance events) for Westfield's successful track and field programs. In 2015, Devine coached Westfield's Jessie Cardin to a 20th place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships and All-America honors.  Earlier in his tenure at Westfield, Devine coached Kerry Arouca to multiple appearances in the NCAA Championship meet with a peak finish of 19th in the nation. Devine was a highly respected and successful coach at Monson High School for more than 30 years. In addition, the Westfield native and 1974 Westfield State graduate is a member of Westfield States Athletics Hall of Fame.  Men's cross country runner Mike Skelly captured the 2016 MASCAC title under Devine's guidance. Westfield has provided an enriching environment, a multi-dimensional education, and the tools necessary for me to succeed. I am proud once again to be part of such an incredible institution," said Devine at the time of his hire. I met many outstanding teachers and coaches at Westfield State; they all played an important part of my life and I hope to bring the same enthusiasm they showed me to the students-athletes at Westfield, he added. Devine, who retired as an high school art teacher in 2007, served as both the varsity cross country and boys basketball head coach at Monson High School since 1976. In cross country, his teams compiled a 310-126 record with six league titles ('76, '95, '02, '03, '04, '05) and Western Mass. runners-up finishes in 2002, 2005, and 2007. After a three-year stint (1993-95) as the track and field head coach at Palmer High School, Devine instituted the Monson High School track and field program in 1996. He received Monson High Schools Distinguished Service Award in 1995. Devine was an executive board member of the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association from 1980-2007, and was the associations president in 2001. He received the associations Division III coach of the year award in 1994. Along with being inducted into the Westfield State Hall of Fame in 2005, Devine was the Springfield Republican newspapers Western Mass. high school Division III coach of the year in 2007. Also in 2007, the Monson track and field facility was renamed the William T. Devine Track and Field Complex. Devine was a valuable member of the Westfield State track and field team during its formative years in the early 1970s. The Westfield native was a team captain whose work ethic was an inspiration to his teammates. Devine was not one of Westfield States most gifted athletes, but he did earn all-conference honors in the 200 meter dash and as a member of the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relay teams. The Owls 4 x 400 relay squad finished seventh in his senior year (1974) at the NCAA Division III national championships with a time of 3:19.6. Prior to attending Westfield State, Devine served a tour of duty with the Marines in Vietnam. Fluent in Vietnamese, he interrogated prisoners of war. Westfield State Hall of Fame track and field coach Jerry Gravel calls Devine the most mentally tough athlete that he has ever coached and a great role model. Devine graduated from Westfield High School in 1965, and participated in football, basketball and track and field. He received the William Crane Trophy for excellence in scholarship and athletics and the Rod Tyler Award for excellence in track. Devine majored in art at Westfield State and received a masters degree in art from Assumption College in 1981. Devine is extremely proud that many of his Monson High School students continued their educations at prestigious art colleges. Furthermore, he has coached many runners who have participated in intercollegiate sports.