STORM LAKE, IOWA . . . Buena Vista University Director of Athletics Jan Travis has announced the hiring of Jeff Brennan as the University’s new head men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach effective immediately.
“I am really excited for the opportunity to return to my alma mater to lead the cross country/track and field programs,” Brennan states. “I look forward to the challenge of recruiting student-athletes that will help build programs capable of competing for Iowa Conference Championships.”
A native of Emmetsburg, Iowa and a 2001 graduate of BVU, Brennan was a dual-sport athlete for the Beavers, playing football and running track. Under former football coach Joe Hadachek, he was a two-time First Team All-Iowa Conference defensive back.
“I’m very eager to have Jeff on our staff,” says Travis. “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to welcome an alum back to campus with his success to help move our cross country and track and field teams forward.”
While running under the guidance of former BVU head track and field coach Keith Schmidt, Brennan was a stand-out in middle distance races. He was a two-time IIAC Indoor Champion in both the 600 and 1000 meter runs and was a four-time national qualifier in the 800, placing fifth indoors in 2001. He still holds six school records, including both the indoor and outdoor 800 meter marks.
“Jeff, in my opinion, epitomized what a student-athlete was while he competed at BVU,” says Schmidt. “He was a hard-working and dedicated individual who made himself an elite athlete at the Division III level. That hard work and dedication to the sport, along with his great deal of energy, makes him the perfect fit for this position.”
Brennan, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Education, has spent the past year as a teacher and coach at Storm Lake High School, a position he also held from 2002-06. During that tenure, he helped coach the Tornado boys to four Lakes Conference Track and Field Championships as well as three top-eight team finishes at the State Track Meet (8th in 2003, 5th in 2004, 6th in 2006). He was also named Northwest Iowa Regional and Lakes Conference Coach of the Year in both 2005 and 2006.
“It is not easy to leave behind students and athletes at Storm Lake High School, but this is too grand of an opportunity to pass on,” Brennan adds. “I appreciate the support from the administration, especially Rick Anderson, over the past year at SLHS.
