August 30, 2022

SIOUX FALLS – Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, Doug Petersen, announced the promotion of Eric Chilson as the associate head coach of the Cougars Track & Field program.

"Eric Chilson has done so much for our program over the last five years and we couldn't be more thrilled to promote him to our associate head coach," said Coach Petersen. "Eric is extremely motivated when it comes to our student athletes and we can't wait to see where he leads this program."

Chilson enters his fifth season with the program and overseas sprints and hurdles as well as developing strength and conditioning programs. Prior to his time at USF, he was a four-year letter winner at Black Hills State University where he competed in both sprints and hurdles. Following graduation, he went on to earn his masters from Southwest Minnesota State while assisting their track & field program from 2016-2018.

Currently, Chilson has coached athletes to 26 school records at both USF and Southwest Minnesota State, 34 top-10 school marks and 10 NCAA DII provisional marks. He earned his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as his Technical Certification, Weight Training Master's Endorsement and Combine Event Specialist through the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

"Getting to be a part of this team and see the growth and development we've had over the last several years has been extremely rewarding," said Chilson. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and to help our program continue to succeed in new ways."