Chelstrom named to Cross Country/Track and Field staff

Article care of Pete Belcastro, Sports Information Director - Southern Oregon University

Ashland, Oregon (Sept. 17, 2008) -- Southern Oregon University Head Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Brent Ericksen has named Dan Chelstrom to the position of Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track and Field.

Chelstrom arrives at SOU after serving as Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach and Director of Strength and Cardiovascular Centers at Brescia University (KY).

"I'm elated to join the Raider athletics family," Chelstrom said. "This is a great opportunity to contribute to a storied and comprehensive cross country and track and field program. The academic opportunities at SOU, athletic facilities, and training venues within Ashland are second to none. I believe Southern Oregon University offers the ideal environment to facilitate the growth and development of both cross country and track & field student-athletes."

While at Brescia, Chelstrom mentored the 2007 KIAC Women's Cross Country Freshman of the Year, All-Conference and Academic All-Conference student-athletes. Additionally, he notched the largest NAIA recruiting class of 2008, securing 26 commitments to BU.

Prior to serving at Brescia, Dan won three NCAA III National Track and Field Titles at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, the third of which while serving as an assistant to Ericksen.

"It's exciting to be reunited with Coach Ericksen," Chelstrom said. "His track record as an Olympic Coach and NCAA Coach of The Year speaks for itself. We work well together and compliment each other nicely stylistically and philosophically. It's a privilege to work together with coach once again; we look forward to bringing success similar to what we had at UW-L to Southern Oregon.

Chelstrom competed collegiately for Bethel University (MN), where he was a four year letterman and top competitor in events ranging from 3,000-10,000 meters as a senior. He also competed for the Marathon Sports Race Team as a post-collegiate. Following graduation, he was named the assistant cross country and track and field coach at his alma mater.During his time at Bethel, multiple school records were established in the middle and long distance events.Chelstrom earned his BA in Communication Arts and Literature Education from Bethel University and completed his master's studies in Exercise and Sport Science - Human Performance at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.