TOLEDO, Ohio – Ronnie Brandal has joined the Toledo cross country and track & field programs as an assistant coach, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Andrea Grove-McDonough announced on Friday. Brandal will work primarily with distance runners within the program.

"We're thrilled to welcome Ronnie to the program," said Grove-McDonough. "His deep understanding of the conference landscape makes him an invaluable addition to our team. As a former team captain for Eastern Michigan's men's track & field program and a coach prior to joining us in Toledo, Ronnie brings both leadership and experience that will elevate our program."

Brandal comes to Toledo after spending the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University, working with the middle distance and distance runners throughout the cross country and track & field seasons. He oversaw 22 MAC scorers, 10 All-MAC selections, five individual MAC champions, in addition to one NCAA East First Round qualifier and one NCAA Great Lakes All-Region honoree.

"I'm beyond excited to join the Toledo cross country and track & field programs," said Brandal. "Coach McDonough has built something special here — a program that's not only risen to top of the conference, but also is rising on the national stage. I can't wait to work alongside her and help guide these amazing athletes as we strive for new heights together."

Prior to joining the Eagles' coaching staff, Brandal was a student-athlete on the cross country and track & field teams at Eastern Michigan. He qualified for the 2024 NCAA East First Round in the 800m and earned several All-MAC honors throughout his career. Brandal also competed in five seasons of cross country at EMU, contributing to three straight cross country MAC team championships from 2020-2022. He also served as team captain for the Eagles in his senior season.

Brandal earned USTFCCCA Academic All-American honors in 2024 and was named to the Academic All-MAC team five times throughout his career. Brandal graduated with his master's of science in sport management in 2025 and his bachelor's degree in secondary education in 2023 from Eastern Michigan.