Ross Cimpl Named Interim Director of Athletics

Mitchell – Dakota Wesleyan University has officially announced that head football coach Ross Cimpl has been appointed interim Director of Athletics (AD). Cimpl will replace Jon Hart who has accepted the AD position at the University of Sioux Falls. Coach Cimpl will continue his duties of leading the football team during his tenure as the interim AD. His appointment is effective December 1, 2023, through the end of May 2024, by which time a new Director of Athletics should be appointed.

Cimpl outlined his focus as he steps into this interim position. "There is a lot of positive momentum within our athletics department and across campus. I look forward to building on that momentum and offering continued support and enhancements to our on campus and off campus community."

Cimpl is in his 13th year at Dakota Wesleyan (12th season as the Tiger's head football coach) and is coming off a 6-5 record during the fall season. The highlight of the season for Cimpl and staff came on homecoming weekend when they upset at the time (RV) Midland 33-32.

Much of Coach Cimpl's interim responsibilities will pertain to management of personnel, budgets, external and internal partnerships, GPAC and NAIA communications, gameday management and more. "I look forward to working closely with Jon until his official departure, and Marlene Warnke (Business Manager for Athletics) is going to be an invaluable resource during this time as well," Cimpl commented. "There are some great coaches and support staff within our department, and I want to lead collectively with them. I also want to share my experiences with some of our newer coaches, so they are not starting from scratch or learning things the hard way."

When asked about who will be stepping up on the football staff to help assist during this interim appointment, Cimpl stated, "Coach Alex Kretzschmar and Coach Michael Bernarde on the football staff will continue to do a great job providing guidance for our players and making decisions that are best for our program."

DWU will launch a national search for the new Director of Athletics during the 2024 spring semester.