Conrad Haber has been promoted to head coach of the Alaska Nanooks cross country program, following two seasons as an assistant coach. He succeeds former head coach Eliska Albrigtsen.
In a statement, Haber expressed gratitude for his predecessor and those who supported his promotion. “I’d like to thank Eliska Albrigtsen for providing me with the opportunity to come to Fairbanks and for believing in me to build upon the culture and training environment she created,” said Haber. “I’d also like to thank Dr. Brock Anundson for his belief in me and the opportunity to lead this program. Finally, I’m excited to continue the growth of this program and build upon what’s been achieved over the past two years as we continue to redefine what it means to be a cross country student-athlete for the Alaska Nanooks.”
Dr. Brock Anundson, Director of Athletics at University of Alaska Fairbanks, commented on Haber’s appointment: “We are proud to announce Conrad Haber as the new Head Coach for both our Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks,” said Dr. Anundson. “With his passion for developing student-athletes, a clear strategic vision for both programs, and a strong commitment to Nanook Athletics, we are confident that Conrad will continue to elevate our teams to new heights. We look forward to the success and growth that lies ahead under his leadership.”
During Haber’s time as assistant coach, both men’s and women’s teams achieved notable results. In 2023, the men’s team finished 11th at the Bill Roe Classic, 12th at SFS Invite, and ninth at GNAC Championships. The women’s team placed fifth at several events including Bill Roe Classic and NCAA DII West Region Championships, tying a program record with third place at GNAC Championships.
The season also saw individual achievements with Rosie Fordham and Kendall Kramer qualifying for NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Joplin, Missouri; Kramer finished 23rd while Fordham was 36th—both earning All-America honors.
The following year brought further progress: The men defeated UAA in their opening meet before achieving their best GNAC finish since 2014 by placing seventh. The women swept UAA in all head-to-head meets during regular season competition.
Postseason competition marked significant milestones: The women’s team earned its best-ever second-place finish at GNAC Championships before placing fourth at NCAA West Regional—securing a team berth at NCAA Championships where they finished 13th nationally with two All-Americans including Kramer’s historic second-place individual finish.
Before joining Alaska in 2023, Haber led Germantown Friends School’s cross country and track & field programs in Philadelphia over eight years—guiding boys’ teams to six league titles and three state championships while coaching girls’ teams toward runner-up finishes and a league crown in 2022. His tenure produced multiple state champions, dozens of all-league athletes, national qualifiers, All-Americans—and recognition as PAISAA Boys Coach of the Year (2017) plus Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach Award (2023). Earlier roles included coaching stints at Runningworks Cross Country Camp and Washington Township High School.
Social media updates about Nanooks cross country can be found on Instagram (@NanooksXC), X (@NanooksXC), or Facebook (Alaska Nanooks XC).
