Christianson takes the helm of cross country and track and field programs

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College track and field and cross country programs begin 2020 with Nathan Christianson at the helm. Christianson was named head coach of both programs in January and has now begun his coaching duties.

Christianson comes to Defiance from Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, Iowa), where he served as head cross country coach and assistant track and field coach.

"I'm very excited to start the next chapter of the Defiance College cross-country and track and field program," Christianson stated. "The energy of the current student-athletes will provide everything we need to build this program."  

Christianson brings years of experience to the DC coaching staff, along with a proven record of success. Prior to his stint at Briar Cliff, the native Iowan kicked off his career at the University of Southern Indiana as an assistant coach. In his first stint at USI as an assistant, the program continually churned out strong performances, including 35 national qualifiers and 20 All-Americans.

With an extensive background at the NAIA level, Christianson has led 79 national qualifiers and four All-Americans. As a head cross country coach, he has tallied three NAIA conference titles while being named coach of the year a trio of times as well.

With stops along the way at Brescia University, Missouri Valley College, and Waldorf University, among others, Christianson has built a resume comprised of experience at multiple levels of collegiate athletics.

Christianson earned a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Southern Indiana in 2007.