Kevin Dwyer, a two-time NCAA decathlon national qualifier and 2008 Mid-American Conference decathlon champion, was named assistant coach of the Northern Illinois women's track and field team, women's track and field coach Connie Teaberry announced Wednesday. Dwyer will coach the heptathlon, pole vault, and all throwing events.
Prior to arriving at NIU, Dwyer was a two-time NCAA national qualifier in the decathlon at Miami University. In both 2008 and 2009, he finished among the nation's finest decathletes, finishing 19th and 13th, respectively, at the NCAA Championships. The 2008 conference decathlon champion, Dwyer was also named an NCAA Regional qualifier in the long jump in 2009 and javelin in 2008. He was also named to the All-MAC first team in 2008 and was named a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American in 2007.
"Coach Dwyer will be a great addition to our program," Teaberry said. "He brings a lot of diversity to the team, being that in his collegiate career he competed as a decathlete and in the open event. It really helps me as a head coach to have an assistant coach that has such a broad range of expertise. In terms of what we are looking to do this year, and where we are trying to improve in the conference, he has everything we need to give these ladies the confidence they need to succeed."
A native of Arlington Heights, Dwyer was an assistant track and field summer coach at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights in 2008 and 2009. At Hersey, he was responsible for leading more than 50 athletes in multiple track events. Dwyer also spent time as the Skyhawks Sport Academy camp director in the summer of 2007, maintaining and directing athletics camps that involved over 150 athletes.
With MAC competition experience under his belt, Dwyer is ready to take on his role as an assistant coach with Northern Illinois.
"I knew I wanted to coach right when I graduated, and I knew I wanted to come back to Illinois area," Dwyer said. "Northern just seemed to fit. I have competed in the MAC and it's a great conference. It's very competitive and I have enjoyed my time there. I think NIU will be a great place to coach."
