This bio is now a part of a historical archive, the individual was on the coaching staff from 2022 to 2025 and is no longer employed by Wilkes University.
Paul VanLuvender enters his third season in 2025 as the head coach of the Wilkes men's and women's cross country teams after being named to the position prior to the 2023 season. Before being named head coach, VanLuvender served on the staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2022.
In 2024, VanLuvender coached Jack Thompson to his first Landmark All-Conference selection as an honorable mention with a 19th place finish at the conference championship meet.
A long time Scranton/Wilkes-Barre resident and native graduating from Riverside Jr. Sr. High School in Taylor, Pa. in 1996, he participated in athletics and excelled in football and track and field. He is a graduate of Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pa. with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science. During his tenure at Delaware Valley University VanLuvender played football in the Middle Atlantic Conference at the Division III level. VanLuvender also graduated from Johnson Collage in Scranton, Pa. with an Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology Engineering in 2000.
Being employed with the Department of Defense for 23 years, VanLuvender has provided exceptional contract management and logistics support to the department of the Army and numerous government agency’s to include the Defense Contract Management Agency. He provided direct support and leadership to military personnel while deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan during the time period of 2006 to 2010, and in 2017 on behalf of the United States Government. VanLuvender is a progressive leader in his current position as quality assurance specialist providing contract management and oversight in the United States Government.
VanLuvender coaches track and field at Riverside High School as an assistant coach. He provides and assists in the implementation of training programs, setting up and scheduling meets and team practices. He is a positive influence in coaching, and providing guidance in coordinating with the PIAA.
As an avid runner in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area community VanLuvender is well known, easily recognized, always seen at local races, and has completed many marathons throughout the country. Vanluvender has completed twenty marathons through his running tenure to include the Boston Marathon in 2018, 2021, and 2022. VanLuvender has a passion for running and fitness, is a hard consistent worker, and always carries the mindset of “fitness first”. As of late, VanLuvender has competed in multiple triathlons an Ironman triathlons keeping a well-rounded approach to fitness and distance running.
VanLuvender currently resides in the town of Taylor, Pa.
