CHICAGO, IL (August 19, 2011) – Following a national search for the restructuring of the cross country and track and field programs at North Park University, the Vikings announced the hiring of two coaches from Austin, Texas today.
Steve Imig joins the North Park University staff as their new cross country coach following a year of study at Austin Presbyterian Seminary. Imig is a protégé of the legendary Al Carius, the cross country coach at North Central College. During his four years as an undergraduate in the Cardinal program, North Central captured two national championships in track and field and three in cross country. Imig captained the 1999 national championship team. During his ten-year coaching career at the high school (St. Charles North) and college (Greenville College) levels he has twice been honored by his peers as “Coach of the Year”. He holds a Bachelor's degree in physical education and a Master's of Science in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University. He also possesses USATF Level I and II certification.
“Steve brings high energy and a great mission fit coupled with a championship background as a competitor and coach,” stated North Park University Athletic Director, Dr. Jack Surridge.
“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to coach at North Park University,” Imig said. “The school is committed to developing a strong cross country and track & field program, and I truly believe that the pieces are in place for the teams to experience great growth and success in looking to the future. It is my hope that North Park University Cross Country and Track & Field will be known for dedicated, passionate, and team-oriented student-athletes who seek to excel in every facet of their lives."
Geoff Masanet brings over fifteen years of stellar collegiate track and field and cross-country coaching experience to North Park University. With stops at UC Santa Barbara, Northeastern Illinois, U of Missouri Kansas City, U of C Long Beach State and most recently Eastern Illinois, Masanet teams have accounted for 21 conference championships. He has been honored by both the Mid-Continent Conference (1999, 2000, 2002) and the Ohio Valley Conference (2005) as the “Conference Coach of the Year”. Masanet holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois with a major in journalism and minor in geography and a Master of Science from the United States Sports Academy. Coach Masanet comes to North Park University after serving as an academic advisor and NCAA certification officer at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
“We feel very blessed to have a person of Geoff Masanet's quality and background to lead our track and field program. For a person of his accomplishments to be so open and humble is very refreshing,” Dr. Surridge said.
“I am excited to be joining North Park and look forward to working with our returning staff and Head Cross-Country Coach Steve Imig,” Masanet said. “Moreover, I am eager to begin working with our returning and incoming student-athletes. North Park has great facilities and an outstanding reputation in academics and service. With hard work, pride, teamwork and a willingness to dream, I believe the track and field team can compete at the highest levels of the CCIW and NCAA.”
North Park finished the 2010-11 track and field season by qualifying one athlete, Lars Tenglin, for the NCAA Division III National Meet in the javelin. He finished second in the country.
