Columbia, MD - Howard Community College has announced today a new addition to their track & field coaching staff, as former CCBC Essex assistant coach Denison Long joins the Dragons as associate head coach.

Long will focus on sprints and hurdles for the Dragons, joining head coach Phil DeRosier to continue the development of the Dragons track program.

We are excited to bring Denison on board as associate head track & field coach," said DeRosier. "His training philosophy, attention to detail, and strong leadership qualities align perfectly with our culture here at Howard CC."

Long previously coached at CCBC Essex from 2024 to 2026, helping the Knights win the 2026 women's track & field championships for Region 20. He previously coached at Bowie State University and Baltimore City Community College, winning the 2019 CIAA high jump championship at BSU. Long was an athlete himself at Florida International University, where he set four freshman records and the schools 60m record.

The hiring is part of a broader restructuring of the coaching staffs for both track & field and cross country. Assistant track coach Mike Petro, who coaches the Dragons throw and distance teams, will expand his role by becoming associate head coach of cross country.

"It's always been the plan to elevate Coach Mike to associate head cross country coach," said Coach DeRosier. "Over the past year he has strengthened our recruitment processes, as well as established our distance presence. We look forward to his continued growth within our organization."

The Dragons finished last season second in Region 20 in track & field and fifth in cross country. They will look to improve those standings for the upcoming 2026-27 season.