ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that Stargell Williams has been selected as the next head coach for the men's track & field program. Williams replaces long-time coach Jim Nichols, who announced his retirement after 37 years on South Hill, will also serve as the throws coach for the men's and women's teams. He will begin his appointment on August 12.
"Stargell Williams emerged from a highly competitive national search to become our choice as the next head coach for Ithaca College men's track and field," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Susan Bassett '79."I am confident that he is the right 
leader for IC men's track and field.Coach Williams has achieved significant success as a coach and leader on both the Division II and III level, most notably in the highly competitive Centennial Conference while coaching at Ursinus. His career as a student-athlete, and student coach at Florida State charted his course for coaching excellence. I am pleased that Ithaca College student-athletes will benefit from his commitment to their educational experience and their pursuit of athletics achievement. I am pleased to welcome Star Williams to the Bomber Family and the Ithaca College community."
Williams comes to Ithaca after spending the last six years at Ursinus College as the program's associate head coach, throws coach, and recruiting coordinator. Williams built the Bears' throwing programinto one the deepest in the Centennial Conference and Metro Region. He was a member of the 2023 Centennial Conference Outdoor Track & Field Coaching Staff of the Year and was promoted to associate head coach in the Spring of 2022.
"I would like to thank Susan Bassett, the IC track & field and cross country coaching staff and entire search committee for making me feel welcome and at home during my time on campus," said Williams. "I am beyond excited to join an already elite coaching staff and cannot wait to get started this fall!"
Under Williams' guidance, Ursinus crowned 20 individual conference champions and set 18school records. In 2021, he was named the Mideast Region Men's Assistant Coach of the Year by the USTFCCCA. Along with that, Williams oversaw the development and success of four All-Americans while at Ursinus.
A former star at Florida State University, Williams was a three-time national champion thrower and two-time All-American at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas before returning to his hometown to join the Seminoles. Williams helped lead Florida State to two Atlantic Coast Conference titles during his time there and was a two-time NCAA East Regional qualifier in the shot put. He was runner-up in the shot put at the 2013 ACC Championship and ended his career with a personal-best mark of 59' 4.5" at the 2015 NCAA East prelims.
"I would like to send a special thanks to Carl Blickle, Laura Moliken, Erin Stroble and Ursinus College as a whole, for their leadership and guidance duringthe early stages of my career," Williams continued. "I would not be who I am today, without them. Thanks for the opportunity to build something special together. Our current UC student athletes, coaching staff and alum, will always hold a specialplace in my heart!"
After graduating from Florida State in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in sport management, Williams served as a volunteer assistant with the track and field program and as a facilities and event management assistant before accepting his next post at Hillsdale College. In his two years there, Williams produced four NCAA Division II qualifiers in addition to an All-American in the hammer.
Williams is a USATF Level 1 certified coach.
"Ithaca College is a very prestigious and unique place with a rich history," stated Williams. "I am very fortunate to be a part of what Susan is doing here and a part of her vision for our program. Go Bombers!"
What They Are Saying About Stargell Williams:
"Stargell is one of best young coaches in the business. He's a great leader and truly cares for his student-athletes. Ithaca landed a good one." – Bob Braman, Head Coach at Florida State University
"I am so proud of Coach Star for taking this next step with his coaching career.He has done an amazing job for us at Ursinus Collegeover the past six years.I am forever grateful for all his hard work and dedication to our program. I wish Star nothing but the best as he transitions to his newrole in leading the IC men's track & field program." – Carl Bickle, Head Coach at Ursinus College
"Star's passion for track and field is undeniable. His passion has been the fuel for his tenacious work ethic and continual pursuit for growth and development as a coach. I know his impact and influence will serve his team and athletic department greatly!" – R.P. White, Head Coach at Hillsdale College
