A former assistant coach at Storm Lake High School has been named head men's and women's cross country coach for Iowa Lakes Community College, its Director of Athletics Troy Larson announced today.
While Jared Bruce served as assistant coach for Storm Lake high school from 2010-2014, he coached numerous all-conference runners and a 4x800 team that earned second place at state in 2010.
"I am excited about the opportunity to work with the student athletes here at Iowa Lakes and help them succeed both in the classroom as well as their running goals," Bruce said.
A native of northwest Iowa, Bruce graduated from Aurelia High School in 2008. Bruce was a four-sport athlete there, competing in track, baseball, football and basketball, and he qualified for state track all four years of high school. His 4x800 team earned fourth place in 2005 and took eighth in 2006. As an individual competitor, he achieved third place in the 3200 in 2007 and ninth in 2008.
Bruce completed his degree in Sport Management from Buena Vista University in 2013. While there, Bruce participated in cross country and track. He was the MVP of the cross country team in 2009 and 2010, and his 4x1600 track team still holds the school record.
He thanked his family, friends and fiancé for their support during the interviewing process, as well as Larson, Athletic/Housing Assistant Sarah Stokes and other Iowa Lakes staff, who have helped him get settled over the past week.
"I'm excited to add Jared to our staff. He was a successful cross country student athlete and will work hard to continue to make our cross country program successful," said Athletic Director Troy Larson.
Jared is replacing David Peterson who recently resigned after three seasons as the cross country coach.
"I'm excited to return to coaching and look forward to getting to know the students here at Iowa Lakes as well as the community," Bruce said.
For more information about the cross country teams and other athletics at Iowa Lakes Community College, visit www.iowalakes.edu.
Photo ID: Jared Bruce, Head Men's & Women's Cross Country Coach
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's & Women's Cross Country Coach Jared Bruce at (712) 362-7992 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.