Aug. 2, 2006

MITCHELL, S.D. -- Patrick Belling has been hired as the head track & field and cross country coach at Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.). Belling comes to Dakota Wesleyan after spending the past three seasons as the track & field graduate assistant coach at the University of South Dakota.  He worked with the sprinters and was part of the Coyote outdoor squad that finished fourth in the nation, the second-best outdoor finish in school history.

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to hire a coach of the quality of Patrick Belling," DWU Athletic Director Chad Vogel said.  "He is a battle-tested, hungry young coach who knows what it takes to be successful at the college level."

Belling, an Omaha, Neb., native was a three-time NCAA All-American sprinter at USD.  He was on two Coyote teams that won NCC titles.  He was a member of the 4x400 meter relay squad that finished sixth at the 2002 NCAA-II Outdoor Nationals.  Belling was also a member of the 4x100 unit that set a state of South Dakota mark of 40.80 in 2001-02.

Belling received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from USD in December 2003 and recently completed his Master of Arts degree in athletic administration from USD in May of 2006.

"He has spent the past seven seasons learning under some of our regions best track coaches at USD," Vogel said.  "I believe his work ethic and personal values fit well with the vision of the institution and culture of our athletic staff."

Pat Belling was a graduate of Omaha Roncalli Catholic H.S., where he was a Nebraska Class B state champion in the 100m, 200m and 400m at the 1999.  His time of 21.92 won the All-Class Gold medal that year, and his time of 10.79 in the 100m still stands as the Class B state meet record.

Belling replaces track & field coach Ray Kuhles and cross country coach Paul Ekern, who both resigned their positions earlier this summer.