Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, recently announced the appointment of Christine Altland as girls’ cross country head coach.

“We could not have found a better head coach than Christine Altland for our girls’ cross country team,” said Lance Bennett, Mater Dei Prep athletic director. “Christine’s expertise, coupled with her passion to serve our student-athletes will make for an exciting experience for our participants.”

Since 2016, Altland has been head coach of the school’s girls’ varsity track and field team. Prior to that she spent three years as the head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ varsity cross country and track and field teams at Cardinal McCarrick High School in South Amboy. Altland attended Monmouth University where she excelled in track and cross country. In 2016 she was named Middlesex County Girls Coach of the Year.

“I’m extremely honored to be named the head coach for the girls’ cross country team here at Mater Dei Prep,” said Altland. “It’s going to be great for the program moving forward and the transition into the track seasons.”

Altland was recently recognized for her track and cross country achievements with induction into Raritan High School’s Hall of Fame. She also works in the admissions department at Mater Dei Prep.

Longtime cross country and track and field coach Mike Tursi has been named Director of Cross Country Operations. Both appointments were made to build on the recent successes of the MDP cross country and track and field programs. As director, Tursi will be responsible for the day-to-day activities for both programs, while ensuring their continued long-term growth.

Tursi will remain head coach of the boys’ track and field and cross country teams.