CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Kris Kut announced the addition of Hugh Knight as the assistant cross country and track & field coach.

Knight joins The Citadel after more than two decades of building one of South Carolina's premier high school distance programs at Porter-Gaud School. During his 23-year tenure, he led the boys' and girls' cross country and track & field programs to 23 state championships, making them the winningest athletic programs in school history.

"We are excited to officially welcome Hugh to our staff as assistant cross country and track & field coach. Hugh brings a wealth of experience and an extensive network across South Carolina. His passion, energy, and commitment to student-athletes have already made a tremendous impact," Kut said. "Last year, he did an outstanding job revitalizing our cross country program, and I am grateful he is now joining our staff in this official role.
 
"Throughout his successful high school coaching career, Hugh earned a reputation for developing outstanding athletes and building strong, competitive programs. He made a seamless transition to the collegiate level last year, and I am confident he will continue to have a lasting impact on our cadet-athletes. His dedication, leadership, and values align perfectly with the college's mission, and we are fortunate to have him on our team."

Knight has coached numerous elite athletes throughout his career, including Foot Locker and Track & Field All-Americans, and has guided multiple competitors to the NCAA level in both cross country and track & field. In addition to overseeing championship-caliber programs, he has developed year-round training plans, managed large team rosters and supervised assistant coaching staffs.

Knight is already familiar with The Citadel, having served as a volunteer assistant coach for cross country and track & field during the 2025 season. In that role, he helped design training programs for the Bulldogs' distance runners, coached at meets and assisted with team travel logistics.

He earned a bachelor's degree in music and business administration from Furman University.