While at the helm of the Siena College Cross Country program for 17 years from 1970-87, Reilly transformed the running programs at the college into regional powerhouses. Under his direction, Siena won five New York State Cross Country Championships (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986) and saw two runners (Joe Rukanshagiza ’75, HOF ’81 and Tom Dalton ’80, HOF ’85) earn All-American status. Reilly upgraded Siena’s cross country schedule from Division II/III talent to facing high profile Division I competition, including meets such as the Notre Dame’s prestigious National Catholic Invitational, the NCAA Division I Regional Qualifiers, the Wagner Invitational, and many others.
One of Reilly’s most important contributions to Siena athletics was the recruitment and development Rukanshagiza, who was a cross country All-American in 1973 & 1974, and still holds a place as arguably the greatest runner in program history. Just a few years down the road, Dalton earned Division I All-America status in cross country in 1980 and was the individual New York State Cross Country Champion for three consecutive seasons, while remaining undefeated (excluding NCAA Championships) in 26 consecutive races. The 1980 Siena team finished 16th at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Regionals, which remains the highest program regional finish to-date.
Reilly also held a large role in maintaining Siena’s Outdoor Track & Field team, which floated in and out of varsity status during his tenure. The team competed in various regional meets, while Rukanshagiza placed fifth individually in the three-mile race at the NCAA Championships in 1973 and won the NCAA College Division 3-Mile Run in 1975.
Prior to his time at Siena, Reilly coached high school cross country in New York and Rhode Island and went on to serve as an Assemblyman in New York’s 109th District.
