"We're thrilled to have Coach Gunnelson join the Spartans," commented Dan Runkel, director of athletics. "Chad has proven himself as an excellent coach. He has a strong commitment to developing excellence both on the field and in the classroom. His recruiting ability will be instrumental toward the success of the program."

While at Madison East, Gunnelson coached 22 school record holders, breaking 15 school records with back-to-back state champions in 2010 and 2011.Gunnelson resurrected Track and Field at Madison East by increasing team size from 38 athletes in 2006 to 90 in 2011. He focused on the student first by improving athletes academic success through weekly study tables and classroom visits, helping the team reach an average cumulative GPA of 3.24 in 2011. He also worked hard to develop each athlete on the track, as well. In his last year at Madison East, Gunnelson coached four athletes to sectional championships, and all reached the podium at the Wisconsin State Track Meet this spring.

Gunnelson gained his experience and expertise developing athletes as the Owner/CEO of Athletic Republic.He helped build Athletic Republic into the largest sports performance training facility in the Madison area where over 600 youth, high school, college, professional, and Olympic athletes work to improve their athletic ability each year.

Chad has spoken at many coaching clinics on topics such as track and field techniques, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, nutrition, and more. He has served on the Athletic Republic Corporate Advisory Council since 2008. Gunnelson has a passion for developing athletes and extensive experience specializing in sprint mechanics, energy system development, injury pre-habilitation, power development, hurdles and jumps training, as well as Olympic lifting techniques.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to coach at the University of Dubuque, says Gunnelson. "It is clear that the University invests so much in the academic and athletic success of each student, and to be part of that is an honor. I'm looking forward to recruiting quality athletes and quality young people from the tri-state area and having them join the talent and experience we have returning in both Cross Country and Track and Field."

A native of Madison, Wis., Coach Gunnelson is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as well as USATF (United States Track and Field Association).