LINCOLN, Neb. (July, 31 2023) -- Derrick McKenzie has been named the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Nebraska Wesleyan by Director of Athletics, Dwight Merilatt.

"I am excited to announce Derrick McKenzie as our new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Nebraska Wesleyan University," said Merilatt. "I look forward to working with Derrick as we strengthen both programs."

"I want to thank our administration, the search committee, and especially our Director of Athletics, Dwight Merilatt, for putting their confidence in me to lead a program I truly care for," said McKenzie. "Getting the opportunity to lead one of the most distinguished and successful programs in the country is an honor. I'm excited to continue the traditions we have formed, build on the success we have had, and give our student-athletes the best experience possible."

McKenzie has been with the Prairie Wolves for eight seasons as an assistant and was elevated to Interim head coach following the retirement of long-time head coach Ted Bulling. Coach McKenzie led the sprinters and relay groups at Nebraska Wesleyan. Most recently, he helped coach Isabella Hogue to win three National titles in 2022; Indoor 200m, Outdoor 100m, and Outdoor 200m. This year, Isabella Hogue continued her success and broke the school record in the 60m and qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 4x400 and 100m.

In the sprint and relay events during his coaching career, McKenzie has coached and mentored 26 NCAA Division III All-Americans as well as seven national champions, including seven consecutive women's 4x400 meter relay champions. 

"This search was very competitive and drew interest from many outstanding candidates," Merilatt said. "Throughout the search, Derrick was able to demonstrate his coaching and management skills, while we also recognized his passion for track & field and cross country at Nebraska Wesleyan University."

McKenzie graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan in 2012. As a track & field athlete for the Prairie Wolves, McKenzie was a four-year letter winner at NWU. He was a seven-time All-GPAC performer in track & field and a two-time NCAA National Qualifier in the 400 hurdles. Additionally, he was a 2012 CoSIDA Academic All-District selection and was also a two-time USTFCCCA All-Academic selection. McKenzie and his wife Jackie, also on the NWU track & field coaching staff, are the parents of two sons, Christian (2) and Marcus (6 months)..

"Coach Bulling developed this program on four key principles; academics, personal growth, having fun, and being our best athletically," said McKenzie. "Being able to run for Ted and coach alongside him for the past eight years, I have witnessed up close what it takes to lead a program. As excited as I am for this position, I am thrilled for our student-athletes. With the 111 men and women in our program, combined with our amazing assistant coaches, we are ready for the challenge ahead. The opportunity we have to make the campus community, alumni, and Northeast Lincoln proud of what we are doing is a task all of us are ready to take on!"