Briar Cliff University

Michael Ocasek was named assistant coach of the Briar Cliff track & field and cross country programs in December of 2025.

A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Ocasek joined the Chargers after serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota. During his time with the Jimmies, he helped coach multiple athletes to All-GPAC performances and assisted the men’s cross country team to a fourth-place finish at the GPAC Championships. Jamestown also qualified its first men’s individual athlete to the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in six years. Ocasek played a key role in recruiting and developing competitive recruiting classes during his tenure.

Ocasek also spent time as an assistant coach for the New Trier High School girls’ cross country program, helping guide the team to an 11th-place finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Championships, with a top runner earning All-State honors after a 16th-place finish.

As a student-athlete, Ocasek competed collegiately for DePauw University in both track & field and cross country. He earned eight All-NCAC honors during his career, including a conference-record-setting performance on the Distance Medley Relay.

Ocasek earned a degree in kinesiology from DePauw University and is currently a USATF Level 1 certified coach.