GRANVILLE, Ohio (January 17, 2023) – Denison University Athletics remembers the life and coaching legacy of Mr. Phil Torrens, who passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, and is survived by his wife, Sarah, daughter Ellen '09, son-in-law George and four grandchildren.

Torrens graduated from Muskingum College in 1968. He began his coaching career at Utica High School from 1968-1972 and continued at Newark High School from 1972-1979. In 1979, he accepted the opportunity to come to Denison as head cross country coach and assistant track coach.

Torrens' teams competed with excellence and won multiple North Coast Athletic Conference championships, and Torrens' own excellence was honored over the years, not only through his teams' success, but also by the many times he was named conference coach of the year.

Torrens served as the head coach of the Big Red cross country program until the 2015-16 season when Denison's Head Track & Field Coach, Mark FitzPatrick, took over the reins. Coach FItzPatrick regards Coach Torrens as "family" and often speaks about the mentorship Torrens provided him over the years.

"My friendship with Phil began in 1996," spoke Coach FitzPatrick. "However, I did not fully realize Phil's impact as a coach, mentor, and friend until I started working with him on a daily basis in 2011 and hearing from student-athletes, alumni, and colleagues. I will be forever grateful for my time with Phil. His influence on my life is immeasurable and I will do my best to make sure his legacy lives on."

Torrens remained on Coach FitzPatrick's staff as an assistant cross country/track & field coach until his death. 2022 was his 45th season as a member of the Denison cross country coaching staff.

Denison University's Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Nan Carney-DeBord said, "This is a sad day for Denison Athletics. The quote by Branch Rickey describes the impact Phil Torrens had on Denison cross country and track & field: 'It's not the honor you take with, but the heritage you leave behind.' Phil has left an impacting legacy as a coach, mentor, colleague and friend. We will miss him deeply and hold his family in our thoughts and close in our hearts."

Denison Athletics' deepest condolences go out to his family. The Denison flag will fly at half-staff for three days in his honor.