COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – David Burnett has been named Iowa Western's Head Track & Field coach as announced by Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Marc Bierbaum.
"I am excited to have Coach Burnett as part of our Track and Field program," said Iowa Western President Dr. Dan Kinney. "We are the top NJCAA Track & Field program in the nation and his experience will take us to the next level."
"We are thrilled to have Coach Burnett on our staff," added Bierbaum. "We share the same drive to compete and his want to learn more every day has me confident that the track & field teams are in good hands."
Burnett comes to Iowa Western with 16 years of coaching experience. He spent two years in the private sector coaching a range of athletes from youth to professionals. He has been the speed and strength coach for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian Kellie Delka who competes in the skeleton for Puerto Rico.
Burnett also is the speed and conditioning coach for wide receiver and former Washburn University All-American JJ Brania-Hopp who spent time in the Tennessee Titans minicamp.
"I am excited to lead our student-athletes and unlock their potential," expressed Burnett. "I would like to thank President Dr. Dan Kinney, Athletic Director Shane Larson, and Director of Cross Country/Track and Field Marc Bierbaum for this tremendous opportunity,"
Prior to Iowa Western, Coach Burnett spent the 2020-21 season at Southern Methodist University, coaching sprints, hurdles, and relays. The Mustangs broke four school records and five athletes qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, earning All-American status.
Prior to SMU, Burnett spent four years at The University of North Texas, four years at Western Washington University, and five seasons at his alma mater, The University of Texas at San Antonio. All told, his athletes have broken 67 school records, won 57 conference titles, and 13 team conference championships.
"Coach Burnett is a great addition to our track & field program and we are excited to add his knowledge and experience," said Athletic Director Shane Larson. "With the staff that Coach Bierbaum is putting together, we are looking forward to the continued success of Iowa Western's Cross Country and Track & Field programs."
"I have had the unique opportunity to coach athletes at various training ages," added Burnett. "The one common theme I have is developing the individual as a whole and not just focusing on the sport. I am a lifelong learner and the holistic approach I take to coaching extends far beyond track and field. I want to unlock greatness that will carry on in life."
A former student-athlete at UTSA, Burnett earned the inaugural Southland Conference Steve McCarty Citizenship Award as a senior as the top overall student-athlete in the conference. As a senior, he helped the Roadrunners to its 1st SLC Indoor Conference Championship in school history.
A team captain, he was a 10-time all-conference performer, winning the 400m at the SLC Conference Indoor meet in 2005. Burnett was a two-time NCAA Midwest Regional qualifier, a four-time member of the SLC Commissioners Honor Roll, an NCAA Inspiration Award nominee, and a semifinalist for the John Wooden Golden Cup Inspiration Award. He served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and SAAC and was selected to represent the Southland Conference at the SAAC National Conference.
Burnett holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from UTSA and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the International Sports Science Association. Burnett has also earned a USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Certification, a USA Track & Field Level 1 certification, and a USTFCCCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification.
A Corpus Christi, TX native, Burnett is married to the former Jessica Gertz, and together they have two children, Ezekiel and Zaria, and are expecting their third in September.
