Thursday, August 08, 2013

Dilling Named MSU Mankato Men's T&F Coach

Dilling Signing
Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman has announced that Jim Dilling has been selected as men's track and field coach.

"I am excited to announce Jim Dilling as our new head men's track and field coach," Buisman said. "Jim had an outstanding career here as a student-athlete in the program and, as such, brings with him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to compete at a championship level, both at the conference and national standard.

"As Jim is very aware, MSU track and field has a rich and storied tradition and I am sure he will work extremely hard to uphold that legacy and to maintain relations with a strong alumni base that make this program a unique and very special one. I am confident Jim's leadership will ensure a smooth transition and continued success for Maverick track and field."

A four-time national champion in the high jump event, Dilling spent the last two seasons at MSU as an assistant coach, where he worked primarily with the high jumpers.

"I am extremely thrilled for this opportunity and am ready to continue building upon the historic successes of the program," Dilling said. "Taking over the tradition built by such great former MSU track coaches like Bud Myers, Chuck Petersen and Mark Schuck will not be easy, nor will the standards upon which I will be compared, but I am excited for the challenge."

A native of Fond du Lac, Wis., Dilling graduated from MSU in 2007 with an undergraduate degree in construction management and recently earned his master's degree in sport management in 2013.

As a student-athlete, Dilling racked up four national championships in the high jump, including two at both the indoor (2006 & 2007) and outdoor (2005 & 2007) national meets. In 2007, Dilling won the USA Track and Field high jump title with a leap of 7'5 ¼" and also represented the USA at the World Track and Field Championships.

Additional accolades for Dilling include five All-American honors and four North Central Conference championships in the high jump. In 2007 he set the NCC outdoor track and field record with a jump of 7'1 ¾" and was named the NCC Track and Field Outstanding Male Athlete.

Dilling was a 15-time NCC Athlete of the Week and also a two-time league outdoor champion in the long jump.  He left MSU owning the school in records both the indoor (7'6 ½) and outdoor (7'6 ½") high jump as well as the NCC indoor record (7'6 ½") and outdoor record (7'6 ½") and NCAA Division II record of 7'6" in 2006.  Dilling was also named the Minnesota State Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.

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