Track and field and cross country programs undergo leadership changes

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson College announced today a change in the leadership of its track and field programs. Dave Cleveland, head coach and assistant athletic director, has resigned to pursue other career opportunities while Heath Moenck, head cross country coach, takes over as director of track and field and cross country.

As a result of the transition, Moenck will oversee both programs and retain his duties as head cross country coach. Cleveland departs after 16 seasons leading the track and field program.

"We are excited about the new leadership structure of our track and field and cross country programs and its possibilities for future success," Director of Athletics Marty Bell said. "We thank Dave for his years of service to the College and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Cleveland coached 32 All-Americans, 90 conference champions and six conference championship MVPs during his tenure. His staff won coach of the year honors at the 2016 men's indoor conference championships and at the 2008 women's indoor conference championships. Cleveland's teams earned All-Academic honors from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association in each of his 16 years.

"I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to lead the Simpson track and field program," Cleveland said. "I coached tremendous student-athletes, worked with talented coaches and built relationships that will last forever. I'm proud of what our programs accomplished during my time here."

Moenck completed his 10th season as head cross country and assistant track and field coach in 2020-21. The Storm men's cross country team enjoyed a breakout season in 2020, placing third at the American Rivers Conference Championship for the program's best finish since 1990. He also led the men to regional top-10 finishes in 2017 and 2019 for the first time since 1996 and the women's team was the most improved at the 2014 Central Region Championships. On the track, his student-athletes have earned all-conference honors 28 times.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to lead the Simpson track and field and cross country programs into the future," Moenck said. "This program will continue to prioritize the experience of its student-athletes as we build championship-caliber teams."

The search for a head track and field coach is underway.

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.

Contact Information
Bryan Geelan, interim vice president for marketing and strategic communication
Direct: 515-961-1608
Email: bryan.geelan@simpson.edu