Mustang Track Announces Coaching Staff Changes
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Mount Mercy athletics department has announced that head track and field coach Ryan Scheckel has stepped away from the program to focus on his family, while noting that Jerry Sikkema has stepped into the role of head coach of the track and field programs.
"We're incredibly thankful for Ryan's dedication and leadership throughout his time with our program," said Mount Mercy director of athletics Paul Gavin. "His impact on our student-athletes will be felt for years to come. While we'll miss having him on our staff, we wholeheartedly support his decision to focus on his family and wish him all the best in this next chapter of life."
Scheckel, a Mount Mercy Hall of Famer, first came to Mount Mercy in 2001 and coached until 2016, before returning to the program prior to the 2021 season. During his time with the Mustangs, Scheckel helped coach six men's All-Americans and a plethora of women's All-Americans. His women's teams would finish as conference outdoor champions from 2004-2008, while competing at the NAIA Outdoor Championships from 2010-2013 and again in 2021, while competing at the Indoor Championships from 2011-2013, and from 2021-22.
Scheckel helped bring the 2018 and 2020 NAIA Cross Country National Championships to Cedar Rapids, and was a four-time Midwest Collegiate Conference Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year, while earning that same honor five times on the women's side. On the track, he was named the Heart of America Men's Indoor Coach of the Year while also coaching a pair of athletes to earning Heart Indoor Track Athlete of the Year and Indoor Field Athlete of the Year.
"I can't say enough about how grateful I am for my time at Mount Mercy," Scheckel added. "The experiences I've had, the student-athletes I've been fortunate to coach, and the relationships I've built with colleagues, alumni, supporters, and friends have had a tremendous impact on my life. It's truly been an honor to represent Mount Mercy and help build our programs."
"Mount Mercy has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I'll always be thankful for the opportunities I've been given. While I'm stepping away from coaching, I'm certainly not stepping away from the University. As a proud alumnus, I look forward to continuing to support Mount Mercy and its athletic programs as a volunteer and enthusiastic supporter whenever I can."
The Mustangs have also announced that Jerry Sikkema will take over as head coach of the track and field programs. Sikkema takes the reigns after serving as the throws coach since 2016. Sikkema has coached 31 national qualifiers, three All-Americas, 11 conference champions, and has also seen 32 school records broken during his time with the programs.
Sikkema's throwers have been dominant in recent years, earning 240 conference qualifiers, with 103 conference finalists, producing 11 Heart of America champions.
"I am incredibly honored to be trusted to lead a storied program. Mount Mercy has a proud tradition in track and field, and I believe that our greatest accomplishments are still ahead of us," Sikkema added. "I cannot wait to continue working alongside Coach Barker and our staff as we build on the foundation that has been established. Together, we will foster a championship culture, develop outstanding student-athletes on the track and in the classroom, and prepare the young men and women in this program for the future while representing Mount Mercy proudly."
"I want to thank Dr. Olson, Paul Gavin and Molly Altorfer for putting their trust in me. I am grateful to Coach Scheckel for his mentorship throughout the years. The foundation of this program has been laid out by remarkable coaches, athletes, and alumni. I am honored to carry that legacy forward as we write the next chapter together!"
Along with these moves, assistant track and field coach Jeff Barker is being promoted to associate head coach.