Charger Athletics has announced the hiring of Riley Miessner as the Head Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach. Miessner previously served as an Assistant Coach at Southwest Minnesota State University.
 
"I am extremely excited to announce Riley Miessner as our Head Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach. Riley comes with outstanding experience, knowledge, and a plan to grow and build all areas of the program," said Tim Jager, Executive Director of Charger Athletics. "Riley is a great addition to the Charger athletic department, and I look forward to seeing the program thrive under his leadership and mentorship."
 
Miessner during his tenure at SMSU helped guide the program to a NSIC Conference Championship, 53 total school records, 50-plus All-Time Top Ten Performances, and nine All-Academic Award Winners. Miessner also coached the program's first All-American Athlete for the women's track and field program. Miessner over the last five years has helped double the roster size of the cross-country team and track and field team.
 
"I want to thank Athletic Director Tim Jager, and all of the other individuals at Briar Cliff University that assisted in making happen! I am incredibly grateful for the chance to create something special with the Cross Country and Track and Field team at BCU," said Riley Miessner, Head Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach. "I look forward to working with the current staff to make this transition smooth for them and the members of the team. It's fun to think about how my coaching journey started as a graduate assistant at a different university in the GPAC conference. And now, it's come full circle to me leading a program in the GPAC!" 
 
Miessner holds a USATF Certified Level 1 Coach certification alongside being a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS). Miessner also holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Program Management, Jumps Specialist, and Combined Event and Multi-event Specialist from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association.
 
Miessner also spent time as an assistant coach at the University of Sioux Falls from 2017-2018. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the Dakota Wesleyan University from 2015-2017.
 
Miessner holds a Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration from Dakota Wesleyan. He obtained is Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Athletic Coaching from Black Hills State University.