Dr. Stephen Fyfe Aug. 25, 2008

Fyfe takes on head coaching duties

PELLA—Stephen Fyfe has been named interim head men’s and women’s cross country coach at Central College following the resignation of David Paulsen.

Fyfe, who also handled interim head coaching duties in 2006, will receive help from assistant Jay Rhoten, who will also take on an increased role. Fyfe is in his 10th season on the Dutch staff and also serves as assistant men’s and women’s track and field coach.

A 1987 Central graduate, Fyfe earned three varsity letters in cross country and four in track and field. He continues to compete in road races and has completed 12 marathons. He received masters and doctoral degrees at Iowa State University and is an associate professor of computer science at Central.

Rhoten, a former all-American decathlete, is in his third season as assistant coach and works with the men’s and women’s track and field squads as well. He is a 1998 Central graduate and a three-time Iowa Conference men’s track and field MVP. Rhoten was a two-time NCAA Division III decathlon placewinner.

“We’re fortunate to have Stephen Fyfe and Jay Rhoten able to step in,” said athletics director Al Dorenkamp. “They both have strong coaching experience and I have a lot of confidence that the training, motivation and treatment of our student-athletes will be first class. We greatly appreciate their willingness to take this on.”

Dorenkamp noted that the staff will also receive contributions from new men’s and women’s track and field coach Joe Dunham, who was head cross country coach at St. Norbert College (Wis.). He was also a three-time cross country all-America honoree as an undergraduate.

Paulsen departed after one season as head coach and two years as a men’s and women’s track and field assistant. Dorenkamp said a search for a new head coach will begin following the fall season.

The Dutch open the 2008 campaign Sept. 6 with the Central Dutch Invitational at the college’s campus cross country course.