Minneapolis/St. Paul – July 19, 2016 – Team USA Minnesota, a training group for professional distance runners based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, has begun a search for a new head coach.  The position is available given the resignation this month of its long-time coach, Dennis Barker.

 

Since 2001, the group has developed an Olympian and 24 national champions in distances that include the 1500m, 3000m, and 10,000m on the track; mile, 10k, 15k, half marathon, 25k and marathon on the roads; and 4k, 8k and 10k cross country.  It has also achieved 74 top three finishes in U.S. Championship events and placed athletes on 28 world teams.

 

“We appreciate all that Coach Barker has done for our distance runners over the past 15 years and four Olympic cycles,” said Pat Goodwin, founder and president of Team USA Minnesota.  “We certainly wish him well with the next stage of his career.”

 

The team’s head coach recruits, develops and manages 10 to 12 male and female elite distance runners on the track, cross country and roads.  The group’s focus is to prepare athletes to compete at national and international championships and competitions, along with major races and sponsorship events.

 

“This is the perfect timing for a new coach to come on board and further develop a roster that will be even more competitive in this next Olympic cycle,” said Goodwin.  “It is a great opportunity in an amazing training environment.”

 

Team USA Minnesota has a 14-member Board of Directors who have extensive ties in the running community.  The team also has a network of health care resources, a number of supportive sponsors and contributors, and access to a range of training facilities, tracks, trails and running paths.  In addition, the group has an active community involvement program.  Team USA Minnesota has twice received the Running USA Allan Steinfeld Development Award (2010 and 2015) as one of the best developmental training groups in the country.

 

The deadline to apply for the head coach position is July 29 with a start date of Sept. 1.  To request a job description or to obtain more information, contact Pat Goodwin at 952-454-8876 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Founded in 2001, the purpose of the training center is to improve the competitiveness of post-collegiate American distance running and to develop Olympians.  Team USA Minnesota’s major sponsor is Twin Cities In Motion (www.tcmevents.org).  Its silver sponsors are the Houston Marathon Foundation (www.houstonmarathonfoundation.com), and the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon (www.pittsburghmarathon.com).  For more information, visit the team’s web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org.