By David Yon
Florida State’s track and cross country programs have been moving in the right direction of late with ACC championships, strong NCAA showings, and good recruiting classes. So the FSU brain trust made a great decision to stay within the program and selected Bob Braman as the new Head Track Coach to replace the retiring legend Terry Long. A third important part of FSU success has been Throws Coach Harlis Meaders who will be promoted to associate head coach after nine seasons at FSU.
Coach Long has been head coach at FSU for 19 years. FSU Athletic Director, Dave Hart, was quoted on the FSU website saying, “I want to take yet another opportunity, as we transition to new leadership to salute Terry Long for his many years of service and guidance. He certainly leaves a very healthy and successful program as he retires on the heals of much success, particularly these past few years.”
Braman began his coaching career at the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1983 as an assistant cross country coach. He became head coach at USF in 1985 and started the cross country women’s program there in 1987. In 1991 he helped start USF’s track program and became head track coach. He had phenomenal success there winning numerous Conference USA, Sun Belt and Metro championships and was Coach of the Year 14 times. Coach Braman has served as the head FSU cross country coach and assistant track coach for three years.
Braman knows more than just coaching running as he was the University of Florida’s cross country team captain for three years, All-SEC in 1979 and 1980 in cross country and in indoor track in 1979. He was the indoor three mile record holder for the University of Florida. Coach Braman has also been an active participant in local community events, helping to put on road races. His cross country and distance runners have been active volunteers at GWTC events.