Chris Rinne

Men's Track and Field

Chris Rinne: A Highlander Legend

RIVERSIDE, Calif.—When thinking of the UC Riverside Track and Field and Cross Country programs, there is often one name that comes to mind and even seems to go hand in hand with them: Chris Rinne. Coach Rinne was not just a former student-athlete, program director, Athletics Director, and coach, but also a mentor, supporter, and the person who laid the groundwork for what UCR Track and Field is Today. He was a true tartan legend, and after his passing in the fall of 2018, he will now live forever through the naming of The Chris Rinne Twilight Meet.

"It's important to rename this meet after Coach Rinne because he was so critical to the success of our program and the UCR Athletics department for so many years," said Nate Browne, UC Riverside's Director of Cross Country/Track and Field. "He laid a foundation that we are still benefiting from to this day. He impacted every kid that ever ran for him and we can think of no better way to honor his memory and name."

Chris Rinne was born in Berkely, CA to a family that was already heavily involved in the world of sports, with a father who played baseball at Cal and two brothers, Jim and Robert, that competed in a long list of different sports throughout high school and college. Needless to say, Rinne was exposed to athletics at a young age and it was here that his immense passion was sculpted.

It was in 1961 that Rinne stepped on campus for the first time as a Highlander, joining his brother Robert, who was already two years in and participating as a sprinter for the track and field program. In addition to competing in track and field, Rinne was also the running back for the football team in 1964.

Throughout his time as a student, Rinne became closer and closer to the track and field program and his interest was encouraged by his brothers as they saw it becoming something he was truly passionate about. That passion led him to becoming the Head Coach of the UC Riverside Cross Country/Track and Field programs, a title he would own from 1969-2003.

Character and dedication will take any coach far in the world of athletics, but in Coach Rinne's 34 year tenure he and his teams also consistently competed at a high level and earned the hardware to show for it.

In cross country, 18 of his teams finished the season ranked in the top 25 nationally, and 12 finished in the top 10. In 1984, he led the men's and women's squads to their highest rankings ever with third and fourth place finishes respectively. In all 22 of his athletes achieved All-America recognition.

On the track and field side, he coached 17 national champions and 56 All-Americans while leading the men's team to a third place finish nationally in 1981.

"Coach Rinne assembled this program for 34 years and has defined success for us as Highlanders," said Rob Hansen, Assistant Cross Country/Track and Field Coach. "We strive daily to build on the foundation he laid for us."

During his time as Head Coach he also spent six years as the university's Athletic Director and in 2011, he was inducted into the UC Riverside Athletics Hall of Fame for his incredible commitment and accomplishments as a Highlander.

He was a man that remained close to his family and friends, a coach that impacted the lives of every athlete that competed for him and touched the lives of many others, and legend whose legacy will live on forever on the campus he protected and in the world of the sport he loved.

"Chris had more than just interest in his athletes; he was deeply caring," said his brother Robert Rinne. "If you needed help he was there for you and would help as best he could."

It is for these reasons that the UC Riverside Athletics Department and Track and Field programs are excited and honored to name this Friday's meet, The Chris Rinne Twilight.