Hired in 1997
Winston Brown serves as the Director of Athletics at Fork Union Military Academy, a role he was appointed to in May 2026. A longtime coach, faculty member, and mentor, Brown has been a cornerstone of the Fork Union community since arriving on campus in 1997 as an instructor and head coach of the cross country and track and field programs.
During his nearly three decades at Fork Union, Brown has built one of the Academy’s most successful athletic programs, capturing 23 state championships, including three in cross country, 14 in outdoor track and field, and six in indoor track and field. From 2005 to 2008, his teams achieved an extraordinary run of 20 consecutive Prep League and State championships across cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.
Under Brown’s leadership, Fork Union has produced 22 All-Americans, several national champions, and an Olympic qualifier. Known for his commitment to cadet success, championship culture, character development, and athletic excellence, Brown has mentored countless cadets both on and off the field of competition.
In 2021, Brown was inducted into the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong contributions to distance running and athletics. He also played an instrumental role in the renovation of the Gus Lacy Track, helping raise funds and contributing to the design of the Academy’s new eight-lane competition facility.
Before beginning his coaching career, Brown was an accomplished collegiate distance runner. He earned All-American honors in cross country at Brevard College, where he helped lead the program to national championships in 1984 and 1985. He later transferred to Old Dominion University, where he competed in track and field and set the school record in the 10,000 meters with a time of 30:18.
As Director of Athletics, Brown continues to lead Fork Union’s athletic program with a focus on developing student-athletes who excel in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
