Scott Trimble, North Alabama men’s and women’s track and cross-country head coach stepped down from coaching April 4.

Trimble said he attributes wanting to spend more time with family for the resignation from coaching at UNA. Trimble also teaches at Muscle Shoals High School where he will remain.

“It’s just time,” Trimble said in a press release. “I’ve really enjoyed working with these kids and they have helped keep me young. But coaching at this level is a young man’s game.”

Assistant coach Heath White will take over for Trimble as the interim head coach.

Trimble has led the Lions’ track and cross country team for 14 years, starting in 2003. Trimble ran for the Lions as an All-Gulf South Conference runner in the 1980s, as well. Trimble recruited local runners, while making the Lions a force in the Gulf South Conference in his tenure.

Junior runner Justin Watson said he thought Trimble’s best quality was his willingness to recruit local runners.

“No one else recruited me, but coach Trimble offered me the opportunity,” Watson said. “He took a chance on me. He gave me a chance so I’m forever thankful for that. I’m proud to have been able to compete for him.”

Trimble’s Lions were ranked this past season in women’s and men’s cross-country and track. UNA also had four runners earn honors as Division II Scholar Athletes in the 2016 season by U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The track and cross-country teams earned All-Academic Team honors.

Trimble has coached multiple All-GSC runners for UNA. In 2005, Trimble coached Emry McKay, who finished 17^th in the NCAA Division II Championship.

Watson said he thought Trimble gave UNA a boost with his consistency.

“For 14 years, Coach Trimble brought structure to the team,” Watson said. “He was the constant that kept the program moving forward.”