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BYU women's cross country head coach Patrick Shane, who led the Cougars to 31 National Championship appearances, announced his retirement after 36 years with the program Friday.

Shane, who was also an assistant track and field coach, was first hired to head the cross country program in 1980 in a career that earned him three NCAA Cross Country Coach of the Year awards.

In 35 seasons, he won four National titles in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2002 — and helped the cross country program win 24 conference championships and 16 regional titles.

Shane also worked at the national and international levels in various track events, coaching 66 All-Americans and six Olympians from BYU and beyond.

"Patrick is a hall of fame coach that I am fortunate to count as a friend and mentor," BYU head track and field coach Ed Eyestone said in a statement. "His legacy will continue to influence the BYU track and cross country programs for years to come."

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