Track/CC Head Coach
Alan Halper was appointed head women’s cross country/track and field coach at Worcester State College during the summer of 1999 where he also assisted with the men’s program. With the beginning of the 2002-2003 season, Halper assumed duties as head coach and coordinator 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 nine 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.

When asked about the position at Worcester State, Halper said, “I am making every effort to build a solid and successful Division III program which will be recognized regionally and nationally over the next several years. It is a challenging position which has already shown itself much improved and heading in the right direction. Worcester State provides a good atmosphere for a diverse population of student athletes. The reasonable cost and the variety of career opportunities available at Worcester State make it an attractive college choice. It should allow our coaching staff to make Worcester State Cross Country/Track and Field an exciting and successful part of the overall athletic program at Worcester State College.”

Assistant Coach-George Kazarian has spent the past twelve years as an integral part of Worcester State College Track and Field. George spent his first four years at WSC as an athlete competing in the 35lb weight, hammer, shot put and discus. Now entering his eighth year as the throws coach for both the men’s and women’s track and field programs, George has helped many athletes qualify for New England, ECAC, and national events. The athletes under Coach Kazarian’s tutelage have also produced a great number of points over the years in the MASCAC/Alliance conference championship meets, at times being largely responsible for the team’s overall success.

Through his experiences competing and coaching, George has developed a philosophy incorporating proper technique and strength training techniques coupled with enthusiasm for the sport. He is a student of the events often taking the opportunity to bring new knowledge to his athletes.  His expertise is always expanding.

An easy going individual, he has a knack for making hard work enjoyable and encourages his athletes to adopt a similar attitude.  Having attended Worcester State himself is often helpful to student athletes in the program.  His knowledge in regards to the campus can only assist student-athletes in balancing the daily routine of school, practice, and outside interests. Coach Kazarian presently resides at the college with his wife, Julie, who is the acting residence hall director at WSC and is an accomplished thrower in her own right. Julie was a qualifier for several championship meets as an athlete and scored in conference meets on a number of occasions as an athlete competing for Worcester State.