BURLINGTON, Vt. – Jim Cross, Vermont men's hockey coach from 1965-1984, died Saturday from complications related to COVID-19. Widely recognized as the architect of UVM Hockey Cross guided the Catamounts to three ECAC Division II championships and oversaw the programs successful transition to Division I in 1974.
 
"Jim Cross' contributions to the University and our athletic program were immense," said Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman. "Jim took over a fledgling UVM hockey program and turned it into a national power that was defined by class, integrity and competitive excellence. In doing so, he and his teams ignited a passion for UVM Hockey on campus and in the community, that remains at the core of our program to this day. Jim was revered by his players and colleagues and will always be remembered among UVM's greatest and most impactful coaches. All of us send our love and well wishes to Jim's wife Lorna, his family, friends, and former players."
 
Cross arrived in Burlington, Vermont in 1961 as Director of Physical Education for Lyman C. Hunt School where he remained until 1965 when he accepted a position as UVM's assistant hockey coach, which turned into the head coaching job the following season. Cross led the Cats for the next nine seasons in ECAC Division II hockey, culminating in back-to-back ECAC championships in 1973 and 1974. In the back-to-back title years Cross' conference record was a remarkable 37-1. Following the 1974 championship he was honored as the national Division II Coach of the Year.
 
Vermont moved to Division I competition for the 1974-75 season, as Cross guided the "Cinderella Catamounts" to a third-place finish in the ECAC standings and a third-place finish in the ECAC playoff championships. After overseeing the Catamounts remarkable transition, he was named ECAC East Division Coach of the Year. Over his 19 years of coaching the green and gold, Jim Cross compiled a 280-251-9 record. After stepping down Cross was presented the Schaeffer Pen Award by the New England Hockey Writers Association for his contributions to college hockey.
 
While best remembered for his contributions to Vermont Hockey Cross was also the head varsity coach for two other sports at UVM. He served as the varsity golf coach for 10 years, while instructing in the athletic department and was the interim baseball coach in 1968.
 
At the time of his announced retirement in 1983, former University of Vermont president, Lattie F. Coor said, "In every respect, his vision represented the very best in intercollegiate sports. Under his leadership, UVM had an exciting hockey program and one that is compatible with the University's educational goals."
 
A 1960 graduate of Boston University, Cross played 32 games over two seasons with the Terriers from 1958 to 1960. He and the Terriers earned a third-place finish in the NCAA tournament in 1960. In 1975, Boston University honored him with the Harry Cleverly Alumni Award, presented to an alumnus who has distinguished themselves in the field of coaching.

In 1996 Cross was inducted into the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame. The American Hockey Coaches Association named Cross its John MacInnes Award winner in 2001. The award, named after the former Michigan Tech coach, is presented to a coach who has shown great concern for amateur hockey and youth programs.  Last February, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation named Cross its 2019 "Legend of College Hockey" recipient. In addition, Cross will be formally inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame as a part of their 2020 class.