Dr. Thomas Schwartz enters his first season as Head Cross Country, and Track Distance, coach at Dickinson State University and serves concurrently as Assistant Professor of Kinesiology within the School of Professional Studies. He officially began his role on August 1, 2025.
A nationally respected endurance coach and scholar, Schwartz brings a distinguished background in both competitive coaching and academic instruction. His coaching résumé includes five national champions, multiple U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers, and several age-group world record holders. He holds the highest international credential in endurance coaching—World Athletics Level 5 Elite Endurance Coach—and is certified through USA Track & Field at Levels I, II, and III. He also serves as a USATF instructor, contributing to the education and certification of other coaches across the country.
In addition to his elite coaching background, Schwartz is an accomplished academic. He holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science) from Concordia University Chicago and a Master of Science in Human Performance from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and has extensive experience teaching in the areas of exercise science, physical education, and performance assessment.
Schwartz is also the co-author of the internationally recognized training manual Build Your Running Body and is widely known for his educational video series on distance training, including the widely cited Critical Velocity Training model.
At Dickinson State, Schwartz brings a holistic approach to coaching that integrates high-level athletic development with academic rigor and personal growth. His focus is on building a team-oriented culture rooted in hard work, discipline, and character—both on the course and in the classroom.
He will lead the Blue Hawk cross country program into the 2025 fall season and contribute to curriculum development and instruction in the Department of Kinesiology.
