Gerry Sieber of Newton has accepted an appointment to coach men’s and women’s cross country at Hesston College, according to Athletic Director Art Mullet. Sieber begins his duties this fall, recruiting a team to compete beginning in fall of 2010. Sieber will also direct Hesston’s intramural athletics program.

A 1964 Hesston College graduate, Sieber earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Goshen (Ind.) College and a master of science in teaching physical education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sieber looks forward “to working in a dynamic, vibrant, caring community and to reconnecting with many former colleagues and friends. I hope to recruit a significant number of distance runners and to help our athletes achieve their competition goals, all within the context of a fun and meaningful experience.

“I’m a strong believer in educating the whole person-body, mind, and spirit,” Sieber continued. “Varsity athletics is one great way to provide for healthy, strong bodies. Intramurals and informal recreation are also avenues to physical fitness, strong bodies, and good health.”

Sieber coached men’s varsity soccer at Hesston for 23 years, compiling a 247-128-27 record including 11 regional championships. During his Hesston tenure he also coached track (8 years) and men’s basketball (5 years) and served as physical education department chair and athletic director (7 years).

In 1994 Sieber became men’s soccer coach and assistant professor of health management at Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., posts he held until spring of 2006. While at Bethel he started a women’s soccer program which he led for three years. He also coached track for five years and cross country for two years.

“We are fortunate to find a coach with the experience and knowledge as has Gerry Sieber, to initiate and develop an intercollegiate cross country program here,” commented Athletic Director Art Mullet. “I have felt for years that a cross country program could flourish here, and am delighted that we have finally taken this step. I have utmost confidence that Gerry will develop a high-quality cross country program for our students.”

Hesston College’s men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete in National Junior College Athletic Association Division I. Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.