Averett University Athletics

David Pavord served as Averett's men's and women's cross country coach, helping the Cougars' programs achieve new heights during the 1990s. Pavord was named the USA South Athletic Conference's Coach of the Year for women's cross country in 1996 and 1997, leading the Cougars' women's program to the top spot in the conference both years with an official championship in 1997. Pavord restarted the men's program in 1993 and helped start the women's program in 1994. He coached both programs through 1999, and he returned to coach the men's team in 2003 and 2004 while his wife Katri coached the women.

During his tenure, the men's team made four NCAA Regional appearances and the women's team made appearances in two seasons. He also had individuals compete in two other NCAA Regionals on the men's side and four times on the women's side. He produced two women's USA South Runners of the Year selections, 17 all-conference performers on the women's side and 10 all-conference performers on the men's side.

Pavord was inducted into the Averett Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 14, 2023.