Head Men's Coach: Al Halper
Coach Halper has been at Worcester State since the summer of 1999 when he was named the women's track and field coach where he also assisted with the men’s program. With the beginning of the 2002-2003 season, Halper assumed duties as head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs. His experience and knowledge brings to the college, the impetus which is needed as Worcester State makes the effort to raise the level of the program to new heights and successes.

Halper had served as head coach of the Holy Cross women’s cross country/track and field programs since their inception in 1976 until June 1999 when Holy Cross decided to make the position full time.  Unable to accept the position due to previous teaching obligations, Halper was available to join the staff at Worcester State.  Halper’s squads have long been recognized and respected among their competitors.  In his twenty-three years at Holy Cross, he had helped to make the Crusader cross country and track programs among the strongest and most successful in the East. His cross-country teams have made four national championship appearances, finishing second on two occasions. His track and field program produced several nationally ranked relays and a number of top ten All New England Championship finishes both indoor and outdoor including a second place finish in the 1984 Outdoor season.

While coaching ten All-Americans and having his teams accumulate a long list of titles, Halper has earned several individual honors as well. In 1982 and 1983, he was named the NCAA Division II Northeast Region Coach of the Year.  He was also one of the founders and has served as commissioner of the New England Intercollegiate Cross-Country and Track and Field Association.  In addition, he has served as a member of NCAA, ECAC and EAIAW cross country and track committees and the Massachusetts Track Officials Association.

A respected lecturer at camps and clinics, Halper is particularly well known for his expertise in event specific hydrotraining, hydrotherapy, and speed training. His philosophy for coaching in the middle and long distances are also topics at clinics and camps. Halper’s coaching interests also extend beyond Worcester State.  He has been active in the Bay State Games since its beginning and the previously held U.S. Youth Games.  Locally, he helped to create the Worcester Track Club to benefit youth and “open” athletes in the city and surrounding communities.  Halper has also done graduate work in sports medicine. A former trackman at Rutgers University and a native of Middletown, NY, Al remains an avid runner and competitor on the road and track from time to time.  Al has two children, a son, Sean and a daughter, Marisa.  He resides in Worcester, MA.

Head Women's Coach: Mathew LeMaire
Head Coach Mathew LeMaire begins his first season at the helm of the Worcester State women's cross country program.  LeMaire will also guide the women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams. 

Coach LeMaire is a 2004 graduate of Westfield State College where he starred for the Owl track team in multiple events earning numerous All-New England, Alliance, MASCAC and ECAC honors.  LeMaire was named the captain for the Owl squad for his senior season becoming just the second captain in the history of the successful Westfield State program.  He is the Westfield State record holder in the decathlon and earned the Owl’s most prestigious student-athlete honor in 2004 receiving the Peter Mazza Athletics Award.

Coach LeMaire is a USA Track and Field Level 1 certified coach and is also a certified track and field official.  Following his graduation Coach LeMaire spent a year at his alma mater as an assistant coach and since 2005 has been the head girls indoor and outdoor track and field coach at Grafton High School.

Chapman remarked about the hiring, “We are fortunate that Matt was available for this position.  His background and ambition made him quite an attractive candidate and I anticipate that his style and approach will reap immediate dividends for the women’s program.”