David Watkins begins his third year working with the Saints cross country program, and has been at the forefront of building a true running program for North Georgia.

Watkins came to North Georgia from Morehouse College where he worked with the cross country team during the 2003 season. While at Morehouse, he assisted in continuing the Tigers’ success, with the team winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships.

A native of Atlanta, GA, Watkins was a distance runner at Kennesaw State University from 1998 to 2001. During his collegiate career, he helped lead the Owls to the NCAA Division II National Championships in 1999 and 2000, placing 12th and 22nd respectively.

In 2002, Watkins ran professionally in Finland for Kuopion Sisu-Veikot and training under the direction of Jouni Noronen - a coach for the Finnish National Team.

Watkins is currently working toward his undergraduate degree in Management at North Georgia. He assisted with workout planning and brings experience to the team.

The former runner also serves in the Alabama Army National Guard with the 20th Special Forces Group. Upon completion of his degree he will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.

Watkins is married to the former Irina Koistinen of Varkaus, Finland. The couple resides in Dahlonega, GA.