North Country Saints Athletics has named Wayne Cowan as their new Head Men's Soccer Coach. Cowan takes over the men's side from Saints women's coach Kent Egglefield, who filled the position on an emergency interim basis for the fall of 2021. Cowan has served as the women's assistant coach for the past 5 seasons and assisted Egglefield with the men's team last season as well. 

Cowan, a native of Chateaugay, attended and played for NCCC while he earning his degree in Sports & Events Management.

"I am very excited to have this opportunity to take over the men's program." said Cowan. "As a former player here, the chance to lead this team into the future is very humbling to me. I am very excited to get started."

Saints Coach Kent Egglefield is more than confident Cowan is ready and able to lead his own program. 

"I believe in Wayne and his ability to do this job, and do it well." stated Egglefield. "He has been a critical part of Saints Soccer for many years now, and his love and passion for the sport, and especially NCCC will no doubt make him successful. He cares about the program and the kids in it. He is more than ready." 

Cowan will remain an assistant to the women's side as well, with Egglefield helping assist him on the mens. Both coaches hope to to mold the two separate teams into one program of equal footing and opportunity. 

"Wayne and I share a vision for this program, both teams working for the same goal with the same expectations." said Egglefield. 

Cowan added,"My main goal is to bring our men's program up to the same level of success, discipline, and standards as we've experienced with our women's program. To bring stability back to the team and represent the college in a positive and successful way."

Cowan's first efforts as coach will be spent trying to recruit athletes who are highly-skilled and prepared to put in the work and effort both on the field and in the classroom.  

"I look forward to building the program to an even higher level then it has been before. Assembling a team capable of competing annually for the Mountain Valley Conference and Region 3 Championships. We cannot do that without the same effort in the classroom."

Saints Athletic Director Chad LaDue believes Cowan will be very successful for many years at North Country.  

"Wayne is a north country guy." stated LaDue. "He grew up here, went to school here, and now lives and works here. His love of the area and pride for this school is obvious."

Cowan resides in Saranac Lake, New York, and also works at the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York,