Coach Glenn McWaters is beginning his eighth year as head coach of the Samford cross country and track and field teams. He has enjoyed a highly successful run since taking the helm in 1996, one that includes four conference championships, four conference Coach-of-the-Year awards, and the establishment of more than 150 school records.

McWaters' impact was immediate on the Bulldog program, leading the women's team to the TAAC cross country championship in his first year as head coach. During the 1999-2000 academic year Samford's men swept the TAAC championships, winning titles in cross country and track & field. Last season the men's cross country team repeated as TAAC champions.

McWaters ran competitively at Auburn University, where he held several school records and was All-Southeastern Conference in cross country and track three years. Upon graduation, McWaters ran for the U.S. Marine Corps where he qualified for the 1968 Olympic Trials in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. While flying Cobra helicopters for the Marines during the Vietnam War, McWaters was severaly wounded in the left leg and doctors told him he would never run again. Discovering the hospital pool by accident, McWaters began to take advantage of the healing powers of water. He developed a series of kicking exercises that not only strengthened his leg and allowed him to run again, but also marked the beginning of aquatic rehabilitation. His unbelievable recovery amazed doctors and convinced McWaters of water's value as a medium for rehabilitation and training.

McWaters received special training in sports medicine and exercise physiology while in the Marine Corps. After recovering from his injury, McWaters served as the Corps' physical training director, redesigning their physical training programs and assisting in the design of the fitness program for FBI candidates. He also coached the USMC track team.

After the military, McWaters formed the Sports Medicine and Fitness Institute in conjunction with Samford University. He also hosted health and fitness talk shows on radio and television.

McWaters innovated deep water running and invented the Wet Vest which made this activity possible. In their 25th annual edition, Runner's World magazine labeled deep water running as one of the 25 best training tips of all times.

McWaters has written numerous magazine and newspaper articles, a book entitled Deep Water Exercise for Health and Fitness, produced the video, Deep Water Running and lectured worldwide. He has coached numerous elite athletes, including several Olympic medallists.

Coach McWaters and his wife, Lynn, have two grown children, Megan and Robert.