Northeastern University Athletics

Mark Lech was elected to the Hall of Fame for his achievements in the sport of track and field as an athlete and coach.

A 1979 graduate of Northeastern, Lech was an intercollegiate power for the Huskies. Included among his list of university records are top times in the 600, 800, mile, two-mile and distance medley relays. The winner of the Milrose Games 800 events in 1979 and recipient of the Alumni Trophy as Trackman of the Year, Lech's stardom began building in high school, where he was the New England scholastic champion in the 400 at Palmer High. As a senior at NU, he was a co-captain, team MVP, All American and finished second in both the IC4A and NCAA 880 championships.

After nearly three decades of competitive running, coaching beckoned Lech. He coached at Newton North High School and then Brandeis University before returning to his alma mater in 1988 to take over as the head coach of the track and field and cross country teams. In 1996, Lech won the North Atlantic Conference Men's Indoor Coach of the Year honors, leading the Huskies to the league championship for the sixth time. It was the fourth time he had earned the Indoor Coach of the Year kudos. NU also took the title under Lech's direction in 1989, '90, '91, '92 and '94. Outdoors, NU won four straight championships under Lech from 1989-92. Lech earned Men's Outdoor Coach of the Year honors in 1990 and '92.