University of Minnesota-Duluth
Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach
1969-94
Regarded as one of the pioneers of women's athletics at UMD, Eleanor Rynda served as head coach for the Bulldog women's track & field program for 28 years before retiring in 1993. She also headed the UMD men's track & field (1967-90), women's cross country (1974-92), and men's cross country (1968-69) programs. Rynda led the women's cross country squad to their first NSIC titles in 1988 and 1992 and the men's team to their initial crown in 1987. She also guided UMD to back-to-back NSIC indoor and outdoor track & field titles in 1990-91. Rynda was selected the NSIC Coach of the Year in 1987 (men's cross country), 1990 (women's cross country), and 1991 (women's indoor track & field). Rynda also was instrumental in helping to develop the first ever Northern Sun Conference cross country and track & field championships. In addition, she worked on conference cross country and track and field coaches committees until her retirement. From 1987-92, Rynda served as a Division II representative on the NCAA Women's Track and Field Rules Committee. Rynda received her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, her master's from Michigan State University and served as an assistant professor for 30 years in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at UMD.