FARMINGTON – One of the most successful coaches at the University of Maine at Farmington is stepping down, effective immediately.

Arvid Cullenberg, who coached the UMF men’s cross-country team for nine seasons, resigned this week to spend more time with his family, which includes Mt. Blue High School cross country coach Kelley Cullenberg.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as men’s cross country coach,” Cullenberg said in a news release Thursday. “The UMF athletic personnel have been very professional and fun to work with. It was not the team successes that were most important to me, but the personal interaction with the student-athletes that is hardest to leave behind.”

A seven-time conference coach of the year, Cullenberg enjoyed considerable success. Highlights over the past nine years include six team conference championships, 28 individual all-conference selections, five conference runners of the year awards, four individual qualifiers for nationals and two Academic All-Americans. Last season, the Beavers placed second in the North Atlantic Conference.

Head women’s cross country coach Ryan Wagner has agreed to become the head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs.

“We thank Arvid for his nine seasons of service and we wish him and his family all of the best,” University of Maine at Farmington Director of Athletics, Fitness & Recreation Julie Davis said. “We’re excited about continuing successful men’s and women’s cross country programs under Ryan’s tutelage.”

Wagner – also coordinator of the university’s First Year Collegiate Physical Fitness Programs – became the Beavers’ women’s cross country head coach in 2008. He led Farmington to a NAC title and shared NAC Coach of the Year honors. The Beavers’ women’s cross country team has won four of the last five North Atlantic Conference championships.