Eric Putnam enters his second season as the head coach of the The Shawnee State University men's cross country coach. 

Last season under Putnam, the men's team was 14th at the All-Ohio Meet, was 2nd at the American Mideast Conference Meet for the third year in a row, and was 21st at the National Meet.

Prior to joining Shawnee State, Putnam coached Chillicothe to a district championship in 2003 and a district runner-up finish in 2004.  Two Chillicothe runners qualified for the state championship meet in 2003.

Putnam served as assistant cross country and track coach at Xavier University from 2001 – 2003.  Both men and women’s cross country team enjoyed their most successful seasons during his tenure. 

Putnam also enjoyed a very successful collegiate running career at Ohio University.  From 1991 – 1996 he ran cross country and track and field, earning seven varsity letters.  He earned All-Mid American Conference honors seven times.  He was the individual MAC champion in the 1500 meter run in 1996 running 3:48.  He was co-MVP of the Ohio University track team in 1996 and was voted team captain three times.

Putnam established many accomplishments through his high school career at Chillicothe High School.  He was a four-time state individual qualifier in Division I, including a state runner-up finisher in 1989.  He was also a three-time state qualifier in track and field, including 4th inn the 1600 meter run and 5th in the 3200 meter relay in 1991. 

Putnam has been winning road races at various distances all over Ohio for more than a decade.  He was the 2005 Run Ohio Grand Prix Co-Champion in 2005 and the 2006 Huntington Half Marathon Champion with a time of 1:09:04.

Putnam now reside in Portsmouth with his wife, Krista.  They had their first child, Charles in May 2006.