Hofer resigns as cross country coach
INDIANOLA, Iowa – Brad Hofer announced his resignation as Simpson's head men's and women's cross country coach at Simpson, effective immediately.
"This was a very difficult decision," Hofer said. "I enjoyed my tenure at Simpson, especially working with the student-athletes and coaches. The student-athletes are what make Simpson the place it is."
Hofer spent four years leading the Storm cross country program and another four as an assistant coach. He also served as the distance coach on the track and field teams.
"On behalf of Simpson College and the cross country and track and field programs, I would like to thank Brad for all his efforts the past eight years," director of athletics John Sirianni said. "We sincerely appreciate everything he did to build our program and wish him the best in all his future endeavors."
In his time at Simpson, Hofer coached 10 All-Iowa Conference performers and saw athletes qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships on four occasions. His first All-American came in 2010, when Catie Ellingson placed 34th at nationals. His track and field athletes reached the national qualifying standard 14 times.
Hofer led each team to fourth-place finishes at the Iowa Conference Championships during his tenure. The men's team finished fourth in 2008 and the women's team repeated that effort in 2009.
A nationwide search for Hofer's replacement will begin immediately, Sirianni said. Former assistant coach Ben Robison will serve as the interim head coach until a permanent replacement is found. Robison is a 2010 Simpson graduate and a three-year letterwinner on the cross country team.
Hofer was a three-time Division III All-American in track and field at Wartburg, where he qualified for the cross country National Championships three times. In all, he was an eight time letterwinner and helped set five school records during his time in Waverly.
