The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Missouri Southern Sports

Discussion

February 1, 2013

Schiding named Southern interim track coach

From staff reports

Bryan Schiding will become the interim head coach for Missouri Southern’s men’s track and field and cross country teams effective July 1. A national search will begin in January 2014.

Schiding will be replacing Tom Rutledge, who is retiring after 24 years at Missouri Southern. Rutledge was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday. He coached eight cross country All-Americans and 55 track and field All-Americans.

“I feel very fortunate to be given this opportunity,” Schiding said. “MSSU cross country and track and field traditions have been built over years of hard work and dedication, not only to the sport but to MSSU and Joplin. I have been privileged to have spent these last four years learning under coach Tom Rutledge. I look forward to the challenges ahead and keeping our tradition and success intact into the future.”

Schiding is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Lions, working primarily with the sprinters and jumpers. Over three seasons at MSSU, his athletes have combined for nine individual and two relay All-American awards. Ten school records have been set in sprints and jumps in the past three years.

“I am real excited to have Bryan step up into this position,” MSSU athletics director Jared Bruggeman said. “His familiarity with the program is a great asset, and he knows the student-athletes. They have nothing but respect for him as he has shown proven leadership and is a winner as a coach.”

Schiding’s previous coaching experience includes six years as an assistant at Missouri S&T and three years as an assistant at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He was named the NCAA Division II men’s regional assistant coach of the year twice at Missouri S&T.

He competed at Bucknell University and set the school record in the indoor long jump. He also won conference titles in the long jump and triple jump.

“Bryan is a great coach and will do a great job for Missouri Southern,” Rutledge said. “He knows our tradition and works great with the athletes. I am very happy that he will have his chance to prove the talents he has. He will maintain the character and winning attitude that we have established at MSSU.”

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