Champaign, Ill. – Parkland College Athletics is excited to announce David Behm as the new head coach of the Cobras Women's Cross Country and Half Marathon program. A veteran coach and decorated former collegiate runner, Behm brings a wealth of experience across the junior high, high school, and college levels to Parkland's growing distance running program.

"David Behm brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program and we can't wait to see the amazing things that Coach Dave and his team achieve," Parkland Athletic Director Brendan McHale said of the addition to the already amazing coaching staff.  

A native of Georgetown, Illinois, Behm competed in cross country and track at the NCAA Division I level for Southern Illinois University Carbondale, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in cross country. He later graduated from Shimer College and obtained his teaching degree from Carthage College, all while staying closely connected to the sport through coaching and competitive distance running.

Behm previously led the cross country and track & field programs at both The High School of St. Thomas More and Chrisman/Georgetown High School, working with the boy's and girl's teams. In addition to coaching, he remains an active voice in the running community as a contributor to the Illinois Milesplit webcast Toe the Line.

"East Central Illinois and the Champaign area is a hotbed of distance running and I am so excited to be coaching here and be able to grab some of this talent and start running for national championships," Behm said. 

Coach Behm resides in Sidney, Illinois, with his daughter—a student-athlete herself—who plays volleyball at Unity High School. He officially begins his duties this summer as the Cobras prepare for the 2025 Fall season.

For more information about Parkland College Athletics, visit www.parklandcobras.com or follow @ParklandCobras on social media.