A native of Chicago, Ill., Thompson joins the Spartans program with extensive track and field experience, including success as a student-athlete at North Central College, a NCAA Division III powerhouse in the sport. Thompson's most recent coaching experience was as head coach at Ashford University and prior to Ashford, as an assistant coach at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill.

He began developing his track and field resume as a student-athlete at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. He was named an NCAA Division III All-American 11 times and was a three-time National Champion (long jump, a member of a 4x100 meter relay, and 200 meter dash). He served as the captain of the track and field team from 1994-1998.

Upon graduation, Thompson pursued a dream of qualifying for the Olympics by training in Indianapolis, Ind., with the Indiana Invaders, a Nike sponsored professional track and field club. While training full time, Thompson participated in instructional clinics for coaches and pursued his USATF Level 1 Coaching certification. He also organized youth summer programs promoting track and field to local area student-athletes.

Thompson joined the staff at Ashford in 2006 and helped the program set over 20+ school records in his tenure. He coached three national qualifiers and helped the Saints claim seven indoor and four outdoor Conference Champions in 2008.

Prior to Ashford, he was an assistant coach at Augustana College (Rock Island, Ill.) where he concentrated his coaching to primarily sprints, jumps, and multi-events. While there, he helped develop 16 All-Conference performers as well as three NCAA Division III national qualifiers.

"Dave Thompson is a great addition to our university," stated athletic director Dan Runkle. He brings with him an excellent background in the sport and is a person of exceptional character and integrity. He is knowledgeable of the role recruiting and retention plays in athletics. Coach Thompson is committed to developing and operating an outstanding program, and we are excited for the future."

The Spartans track and field programs have been one of the most successful programs in the school's history with 11 Iowa Conference titles to their credit.