POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The Marist men's and women's cross-country track and field programs are proud to announce the addition of James Onwuka as an assistant coach.

Onwuka joins the Red Foxes after a standout four-year career at Penn State University, where he was a two-year captain of the Nittany Lions' track and field team. He was an active member of the Black Male Leadership Symposium Club and contributed to community outreach by hosting camps and clinics for middle and high school athletes, helping them improve speed, running form, and overall performance.

"James brings a championship pedigree to our program, from his recent success as a student-athlete," Director of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track Pete Colazzio '86 stated. "He has a strong willingness to learn and to work hard, and we welcome his energy and enthusiasm to our daily quest to be better as a track program".

On the track, Onwuka compiled an impressive résumé. He was a Big Ten Champion as part of Penn State's 4x400-meter relay in 2024, while also capturing two Big Ten bronze medals in the 2024 Indoor Distance Medley Relay and 2025 Outdoor 4x400. He earned three NCAA Division I All-American honors and was recognized with Penn State's Most Inspirational Award in 2022.

Onwuka's experience also extends to the international stage. He represented Nigeria at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, and the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.