Dan Chelstrom named Head Cross Country Coach at Brescia
Chelstrom to lead Bearcats in inaugural season
Owensboro, KY Brescia University announces the hiring of Dan Chelstrom as head coach of men's and women's cross country. Chelstrom arrived at Brescia days after winning a third NCAA III National Track & Field Championship at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
"I am extremely excited for this opportunity and honored to be a part of Brescia's tremendous Catholic, liberal arts environment," said Chelstrom. "It is my aspiration to facilitate spiritual, social, intellectual and athletic growth in the men and women of Brescia Cross Country."
The Northeast Minneapolis native competed collegiately for Bethel University (MN) where he was a four year letterman. Chelstrom registered the Royals top times in the 3,000-10,000 meter events during his senior track and cross country seasons. Following graduation, he was named as the assistant cross country and track and field coach at his alma mater. During his time at Bethel, five new school records were established in the middle and long distance events.
Chelstrom ascended to a similar position at UW-La Crosse where he helped mentor athletes in the sprint, hurdle, and distance events while continuing to assist with cross country. During his tenure with the UW-L cross country and track & field programs, the Eagles won five conference championships, one regional championship, and a national power ranking title in addition to the formerly mentioned national championships.
"We are so pleased to have Dan Chelstrom join our staff," said athletic director Brad Smith. "He comes with a wealth of coaching experience and an excellent academic background. His involvement with three-time National Champion University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse should help put our new program on solid ground in a very short time. I am looking forward to working with him and believe he will be a tremendous addition to our staff."
Chelstrom earned his B.A. in Communication Arts and Literature Education from Bethel University and his M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science Human Performance from UW-La Crosse. He recently defended his thesis project which examined calf girth as a determinant of running economy.
The Brescia University Men's and Women's Cross Country teams will begin their inaugural season this fall and will compete in the NAIA as a member of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
- Courtesy of Brescia Sports Information