Assistant Coach - Track & Field/Cross Country

Posting Date: June 13, 2024

Department: Athletics

Category: Staff

Status/Type: Full-time

Applications will be taken until the position is filled.

Function of Positions: Responsible to the Head Coach of Track and Field/Cross Country (men/women) for direct recruiting (with the ultimate goal in recruiting and retaining 80 track and field athletes), engage with community and youth through camps, lead, encourage and support students involved in the indoor and outdoor track and field programs within the guidelines and mission of Bethany Lutheran College and the NCAA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assistant Track and Field/Cross Country Coach

• Assist the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach with the development and promotion of the indoor/outdoor track and field programs, including:

• Provide positive Christian leadership for the program

• Foster and promote the Christian faith as stated in the philosophy of the College

• Develop, present, and implement proposals for program improvements

• Work under and follow all NCAA, UMAC, and Bethany rules and regulations

• Establish positive communication relationships media and public agencies

• Maintain and enhance programs social media platforms and outreach

• Maintain professional communication with conference coaches; represent the College at conference meetings

• Foster a sense of unity and fellowship in the athletic department and campus community

• Coach a variety of events and event groups

• Select, train, and evaluate assistant coaches and student managers

• Enhance, direct, organize, and evaluate program camps

• Manage program equipment and gear inventory, as well as player gear packs

• Provide requested information to SID promptly and efficiently

• Respect and assist in care of all athletic facilities

• Raise funds for any "extras" (trips, uniforms out of rotation, special equipment, etc.) that the institutional budget does not cover

• Coordinate practice times for event groups and competition travel needs utilizing college vans and/or charter buses

• Communicate with athletic trainers, Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach, and assistant coaches

• Willingness to do other track and field or cross-country tasks given by the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach

Student athletes

• Recruit student athletes who understand the mission of the athletic department and the institution, in accordance with NCAA guidelines

• Program goal of 80 track and field athletes (40 men / 40 women)

• Visit high schools and attend meets to meet with coaches and students

• Meet with potential student athletes and their families during campus visits

• Establish and maintain contact through phone calls, e-mails, texts, and letters

• Utilize recruiting data bases (NCSA/Mile Split/Athletic.Net, etc.)

• Coordinate overall team retention strategies

• Develop, implement, and evaluate drills, practice plans, conditioning programs, and competition strategies for multiple event groups (vault, throws, hurdles and/or sprints)

• Care for and develop student-athlete physical, spiritual, emotional, academic, and psychological skills and well-being

• Evaluate student-athlete talent and level of improvement

• Maintain open lines of communication with student athletes

• Encourage and promote good teamwork and positive behavior

• Maintain and enforce all team, institutional, UMAC, and NCAA rules

• Maintain student-athlete files

• Meet with the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach for post-season evaluations

Contests

• Assist with competition management of contests as needed within the 28+ track and field events

• Assist in facilitation of meet entries and itineraries

• Communicate with opposing teams and officials in a professional, sportsmanlike manner

• Coordinate competition logistics and assist with maintaining accurate statistics

• Help with the hosting of any home track and field athletic events

• Meet day food/meals

• Attend local, regional, and national professional development clinics, conventions, and seminars.

• Research, refine, and continue to develop knowledge of track and field (indoor/outdoor) rules, regulations, and policies affecting responsibilities.

• Maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

Minimum qualifications:

• Willingness to support the mission of Bethany Lutheran College

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• One to two years of coaching/recruiting experience at the collegiate level preferred

• Coaching experience in multiple event groups

• Knowledge of NCAA rules

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to recruit, develop and motivate student athletes (goal retention of 80 athletes)

• Able to lift, pull, push up to 50 pounds

• Maintain valid driver's license and pass the 15-passenger van driving test and exam

Send Information to:

Bethany Lutheran College- Human Resources Office

Position: Assistant Coach - Track & Field/Cross Country

700 Luther Drive

Mankato, MN 56001; or via scanned email to hr@blc.edu