Williston State College is excited to announce Miguel Mendez as the Head Cross Country Coach, set to lead the Tetons into their inaugural season in the fall of 2025. With an extensive background in coaching and a passion for mentoring athletes, Mendez is poised to make a significant impact on the college's athletic program.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to start the cross-country program and want to give a big thanks to Alex Herman, the Athletic Director, and Mason Przybilla, the Associate Athletic Director, for this chance," said Mendez. "I am honored and excited to join the Williston State College community and become a part of the Tetons family. I am thrilled about the program's future and look forward to the achievements we will accomplish together!"

Athletic Director Alex Herman expressed his enthusiasm about the hire, stating, "I am very excited and anxious for Coach Mendez to get here to campus. Coach displayed a great vision for our men's and women's cross-country programs, and I can't wait to see him get both programs off the ground floor! I firmly believe that Coach Mendez is not only going to be good for Teton Athletics, but he is going to be great for Williston State College as our Athletics Academic Coordinator, and he is going to be great for all of the western North Dakota and eastern Montana cross-country athletes that are looking to continue their running careers."

A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Mendez arrives at Williston State College with a wealth of experience, having coached at the high school level and across three collegiate levels (NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and JUCO). His coaching tenure has been marked by consistent success, with his athletes achieving personal bests and excelling in conference and national competitions. Notably, Mendez's leadership contributed to both individual and team championships, underscoring his ability to develop top-tier talent.

Some of Mendez's most accomplished athletes hail from his time at South Plains College, including:

• Hamdani Benahmed: 1500m (3:44.06), Mile (4:02.42), 1000m (2:26.20), 800m (1:48.60)

• Divan Duplooy: 1500m (3:45.94), Mile (4:08.43), 3000m (8:11.49), 5000m (14:35.32), 8K (XC) (23:15.2)

• Rushana Dwyer: 400m (53.68), 600y (1:23.74), 800m (2:09.46)

• Liliana Guerrero: 400m (59.34), 600y (1:28.75), 800m (2:12.88), 1000m (2:59.16)

A Holistic Approach to Coaching

Mendez's coaching philosophy extends beyond athletic performance. He prioritizes fostering a supportive and cohesive team environment, emphasizing values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. His commitment to his athletes' well-being ensures they excel not only on the track but also in the classroom and in life. As a mentor, Mendez is approachable and dedicated, consistently earning the respect and trust of his teams.

A Decorated Running Career

A native of Dumas, Texas, Mendez brings his own running experience to the program. Competing at Wayland Baptist University and West Texas A&M University, he participated in cross country and track events, including the 800m, 1500m, mile, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, and 10,000m. Currently, he continues to train as an elite athlete, specializing in the half marathon. His personal journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence, serving as a role model for his athletes.

Educational and Personal Background

Mendez holds a Bachelor's in Business Management from West Texas A&M University and a Master's in Sports Administration from Midwestern State University. Outside of coaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Daisy, and their daughter, Miliana.

Building the Future of Teton Cross Country

With Mendez at the helm, Williston State College's cross-country program is set to thrive. His vision, combined with his extensive experience, promises to build a strong foundation for years to come. As the Tetons prepare for their debut season, the future looks bright under Coach Mendez's leadership.