RYAN CHASE ANNOUNCED AS THE NEW CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH FOR DAKOTA WESLEYAN
Mitchell, S.D. - Dakota Wesleyan University Athletic Director Ross Cimpl has announced the appointment of Ryan Chase as the new DWU cross country and track and field head coach. Chase, a 2020 graduate of DWU, holds a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in political science and communication. He comes from his previous head coaching job at Mitchell Christian School in Mitchell, S.D. The alumnus, who is thankful to return to his alma mater, stated, "I want to thank Ross Cimpl and President Dan Kittle for the opportunity to come home to Dakota Wesleyan and work with the athletes and coaches to build this program into what I know it can be."
Cimpl is pleased with Chase's appointment. "I am very pleased to announce Ryan Chase as our new Head Track and Cross-Country Coach. Ryan is an alum, and we are so proud to have him back leading our program." In hiring Chase, Cimpl shared attributes that made him the right candidate for the job. "Ryan's passion and vision for our program stood out throughout the entire search process. I am excited to see where he can take our programs now and in the future."
Chase commented on his new position stating, "Getting to come back to Dakota Wesleyan is extremely exciting for me. I loved my experience here and I wouldn't be the person I am today without the people who helped me grow and develop at Wesleyan.
The opportunity to coach and build a program that I was a part of as an athlete and student coach is extremely meaningful to me and it really feels like a dream. I'm excited to get to work!"
Also mentioning what he looks forward to as he returns to DWU, Chase said, "I'm looking forward to reconnecting with everyone on campus and getting to work with the athletes. I could tell very quickly that they are people of character and I'm excited for what lies ahead and to see how we can help them reach their potential as student-athletes and as people."
While coaching at Mitchell Christian for the last two years as the cross country and track and field coach, Chase led his cross-country team to a second-place finish at state, broke seven school records, achieved 70 top-ten marks in the school's history and coached an athlete to three individual state titles. His time at Mitchell Christian was an experience that he is thankful for. "I want to thank the athletes at Mitchell Christian for all their hard work and dedication. We would have accomplished nothing without their efforts, so the credit goes to them."
In his new role Chase plans to bring his philosophy with him to DWU, commenting, "My philosophy emphasizes athletes' long-term development over their four years at Dakota Wesleyan. I believe if you can keep athletes healthy and progressively build upon their previous training, while prioritizing the essential components that lead to success, you give them the best opportunity to reach their true potential and achieve a great collegiate athletic experience."
Chase began his new duties on July 22.