DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State University Director of Athletics Pete Stanton has announced the hiring of Jay Schell as the Blue Hawks' next head cross country coach.

Schell, a native of Glendive, Montana, brings a strong background in athletics, coaching and relationship-building to Dickinson State. He spent 30 years with Nike, most recently serving as a strategic account executive. Prior to his professional career with Nike, Schell served as an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Most recently, he was a volunteer assistant cross country coach at the University of Nevada.

Schell also has deep ties to Dickinson State and the Blue Hawk cross country and track and field programs as a former student-athlete. He was inducted into the Blue Hawk Hall of Fame in 2012.

"We are thrilled to have Jay Schell be our next cross country coach at Dickinson State," Stanton said. "Jay has been passionate about the sport and about Dickinson State for many years. He will develop a strong rapport with our student-athletes, be a great recruiter and serve as a strong alumni advocate for Dickinson State."
Schell said he is excited for the opportunity to return to Dickinson State and continue the program's tradition.

"I am thrilled to join the Dickinson State athletic department and work under the leadership of Director of Athletics Pete Stanton and head track and field coach Shayne Wittkopp," Schell said. "Dickinson State has a long and rich history in cross country and track and field. I was proud to be a small piece of that as an athlete, and I am now beyond excited to be part of the staff.

"I would like to thank Coach Wittkopp, Assistant Athletic Director Kristen Fleury, Athletic Director Pete Stanton and President Scott Molander for such a wonderful opportunity to go back home to a place I have always loved — Dickinson State University. Go Hawks!"
Schell will lead the Blue Hawk cross country programs while also supporting Dickinson State's continued success in track and field as the distance running coach.