CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Following a 40-year tenure with The Citadel, Jody Huddleston announced his retirement as Director of Cross Country / Track & Field on Thursday after the conclusion of the academic year, effective June 30, 2026. Touting nearly 50 years of experience within collegiate athletics as both a student-athlete and coach, Huddleston joined the Bulldogs in the Spring of 1986 after a seven-year stint with Oklahoma Baptist, helping lay the foundation in what has evolved into not only one of the most successful programs on campus, but also one of the most recognized within the Southern Conference.

"Truly a bittersweet announcement, but one I am excited about," Huddleston said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to live in Charleston and work at one of the most prestigious schools in the country. The Citadel is a wonderful place to work, but there is a steep learning curve with all the ins and outs of how it works. During my time, The Citadel has had five presidents and two interim presidents, a slew of commandants and six athletic directors. I will miss working with the amazing student-athletes that will continue to come to The Citadel and do incredible things.

"I would like to also thank all the men and women who have come through this program, there are way too many to list after all this time. Lastly, I am so proud of our academic success over all these years. Throughout my time here, these men and women did what was necessary to compete at the highest level, they worked hard, never complained and still became SoCon champions and All-Conference performers."
 
During his tenure as head coach, Huddleston has presided over 100 individual Southern Conference titles across men's and women's indoor and outdoor track & field, not to mention 450-plus All-SoCon finishers and numerous NCAA regional qualifiers since the implementation of the regional championship system in 2003. He also oversaw the first female collegiate athlete on campus in Mandy Garcia as well as the first woman to win a conference championship for the Bulldogs and later represent The Citadel in an NCAA championship event in Stephanie McNeill.
 
"For four decades, Jody Huddleston has been a pillar of excellence, representing The Citadel and the entire Charleston community with the utmost integrity, selflessness and compassion," Director of Athletics Art Chase said. "His impact on countless cadet-student-athletes -- as well as fellow coaches and staff -- over the past 40 years has embodied the true foundation of coaching, as he consistently has instilled the combination of sportsmanship, teamwork, and work ethic into his daily influence on others. We are truly grateful for his service to The Citadel and wish him and Mary Ellen all the best in their next chapter."