SOUTH BEND — Rob Carrasco has been named the first men’s and women’s cross country coach at Indiana University South Bend.

Steve Bruce, executive director of athletics and activities, made the announcement Tuesday.

Carrasco will begin his head coaching duties on Aug. 1. Cross country will not compete until the fall of 2015-16.

“I would like to thank Steve Bruce and the search committee for the chance to coach the first cross country team at IU South Bend,” Carrasco said.

Carrasco is currently a business, accounting and computer education teacher at Marion High School in Mishawaka and the head coach at John Glenn High School. In his five years at JGHS, Carrasco has turned the program into a contender in the South Bend area.

His teams have been named Marshall County Champions three times, as well as winning the Culver and Northwood Invitational. He led the Falcons to their first regional appearance since the 1980s.

“Rob will be the perfect person to start our cross country program and climb it,” Bruce said. “He is embedded in this area’s running culture, with a great reputation, not only as a former runner, but most recently as an outstanding coach. He will be able to recruit the type of scholar/athletes that proudly represent our athletic program.”

Carrasco was a two-time all-state cross country runner at Mishawaka High School. He was also a four-time all-conference selection as well as a sectional and regional champion. He is one of 14 high school runners in Indiana to break 15 minutes in the 5K with a time of 14:57. He made two appearances at the state meet, finishing as high as third place.

“I look forward to the challenge of building a team and competing in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, Carrasco said. “I will do my best to represent the University, the administration, faculty, students and alumni to the best of my ability in every endeavor.”

Carrasco earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his MBA from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.