MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA — The Allegheny College community is in mourning following the tragic and untimely death of Ben Mourer, the college’s head cross country and track & field coach, who passed away on Sunday after a devastating tree-related accident at his home.
The heartbreaking news was shared with the campus community on Monday, June 16, by Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Ross, who expressed the deep sorrow felt across the college following the sudden loss of one of its most dedicated and beloved leaders.
Mourer, a 2007 graduate of Allegheny and a standout student-athlete during his time as a Gator, returned to his alma mater in 2015 to serve as head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach. In 2022, he was promoted to head coach of the track & field program. During his tenure, Mourer not only led his teams to multiple conference titles but also left an enduring legacy of mentorship, excellence, and integrity.
“We are heartbroken,” Ross said in his message. “Ben was more than a coach — he was a mentor, a leader, and a true embodiment of what it means to be part of the Allegheny family.”
Mourer’s coaching resume is marked by remarkable accomplishments. He guided the Gators to numerous victories in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), with his teams making several appearances at the NCAA Division III Championships. He was recognized as NCAC Coach of the Year four times and earned five more coaching honors in the PAC over the last three years.
Most recently, during the 2022-23 season, Mourer led the women’s teams to a rare sweep of PAC championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track & field. At the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships just last month, three of his athletes earned All-American honors — a testament to his ability to develop talent and inspire excellence.
Before his coaching career, Mourer was a powerhouse on the track himself. A four-year Alden Scholar, he was a key member of 11 conference championship teams at Allegheny. He earned six All-NCAC honors in track and field and played a pivotal role in the Gators’ historic third-place national finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in his senior year.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mourer was a dedicated family man. He leaves behind his wife, Kim, and their two young sons, Arthur and Henry. The Allegheny community extends its deepest condolences to the Mourer family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
In response to the tragedy, Allegheny College has made mental health and counseling resources available to all students, faculty, and staff. Edinboro Counseling and Psychological Services is available for appointments at 814-734-3975, and students can also access support through the TimelyCare app at timelycare.com/allegheny. Campus Public Safety is also standing by to assist those in need at 814-332-3357.
Details regarding memorial services will be shared with the public as arrangements are finalized.
As the Allegheny College community grieves this extraordinary loss, they also reflect on the tremendous contributions Ben Mourer made as a coach, mentor, and friend. His impact will live on in the lives of the countless student-athletes he guided, the colleagues he worked alongside, and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Ben’s life was rooted in purpose, passion, and the pursuit of excellence,” Ross said. “He made Allegheny better — and all of us better — simply by being who he was.”