STORM LAKE, Iowa (Jan. 13, 2023) – Buena Vista University Director of Athletics, Scott Brown, has announced that Keith Schmidt has been hired as interim Head Track & Field Coach, effective immediately.
 
Schmidt is no stranger to BVU as he served the university in multiple capacities for 35 years before retiring in May of 2021. He began on campus in 1986 as the head cross country and track & field coach where he led the Beavers for 15 years. During that tenure, he helped coach 25 All-Americans, including four national champions and was named conference coach of the year for track & field in 1989 and in cross country in 1999.
 
"Keith has certainly proven himself as a leader in our community, on our campus and in our department," says Brown. "We look forward to welcoming him back in this role and continue to be excited for the future of the BVU track and field and cross country programs. Coach Schmidt will immediately add tremendous value to our student-athlete experience."
 
Schmidt is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa where he was a standout track & field athlete. During his four years, Schmidt was a four-year national qualifier in both the sprint relays and the pole vault and in 1975, he captured multiple conference championships.  He also served as a team captain and went on to earn All-American accolades in the pole vault.
 
"I am excited to be back and actively involved with the BVU track and field program," says Schmidt. "When I retired from coaching several years ago, I soon realized my love for track and field will always be there. I am looking forward to working with a talented group of coaches and student-athletes to give them a positive experience, and to help them achieve their goals."