May 22, 2008

New Orleans – University of Mary assistant track and field coach Dennis Newell is the 2008 NCAA Division II North Central Region Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year as selected by the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association.

Newell, in his second year as an assistant coach for the Marauders, guides the U-Mary distance runners. He was instrumental in the University of Mary claiming its second straight Northern Sun women’s outdoor track and field championship. Under his tutelage, freshmen Alyson Piccolo and Kristen Neumiller finished 1-2 at the NSIC meet in the 10,000 meter run. The pair finished second and third in the 5,000 meter run. Additionally, Hannah Moen placed third in the 1,500 meter run and Ivy Roe grabbed third in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.

Also the U-Mary Cross Country Associate Head Coach, Newell was a 10-time All-American at Black Hills State University before becoming the assistant track coach at BHSU in 2006. A six-time conference champion, Newell graduated from Black Hills State University in 2004 and received his master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in 2005.

Newell, the 2003 and 2004 DAC-10 cross country champion and most valuable player, is a USATF Level I and II (Endurance) Certified Coach.