Burton to join track and field staff

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Heath Moenck, director of track and field and cross country, has announced the hiring of Ashlan Burton as a full-time assistant coach for the Simpson College track and field programs.

Burton, a seven-time NCAA Division II All-American at the University of Central Missouri, returns to her home state of Iowa after a one-year stint at Lees Summit North High School where she served as the head strength and conditioning coach as well as a throws coach for the track and field program. The Urbandale, Iowa native will work primarily with the Storm throwers.

"I am thrilled that Coach Burton is going to be a part of our staff," said Moenck. "I am excited that we will have a dedicated throws coach on our staff and I am sure she will have a noticeable impact on our culture and success of the program moving forward."

Burton was a member of the Central Missouri track and field team from 2016-2022, putting together an impressive resume. She was a four-time All-American in the indoor shot put and a two-time All-American in the outdoor version of the event. Additionally, Burton also earned another All-American honor in the discus throw.

As a member of the Jennies, Burton was a six-time conference champion and was named the 2021 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Female Spring Athlete of the Year. Burton holds the school record in the indoor shot put and is ranked top five in school history in four other events. In her final season in 2022, Burton was named the University's Peggy Martin Award winner, given annually to the most outstanding female athlete.

Burton graduated from Central Missouri with a degree in psychology. Upon graduation, she chose to remain at the university to pursue a graduate degree in kinesiology with a focus in sport management.