WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University athletic director Brian Sisson announced Thursday that Darren Schneider has been named the Cardinals new men's and women's head cross country and track and field coach.

"We are thrilled to welcome Darren to Saint Mary's," said Sisson. "He comes from a coaching family. His extensive experience turning programs around combined with his knowledge, vision and familiarity with the region will move our cross country and track and field programs forward for years to come.

"We welcome Darren, his wife Shella, and sons Reed and Granton to the Cardinal family."  

Coach Schneider has an extensive background in coaching, including head coaching positions at both the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and UW-Whitewater, as well as Texas A&M-Commerce and Minnesota State University-Moorhead.   In these positions, Schneider has met with success in mentoring student-athletes, recruiting, fundraising, program development, and competitive success.

During his tenure at MSU-Moorhead, his student-athletes earned 11 All-American honors, broke 21 school records, and celebrated 32 NSIC conference champions.  

""I'm very excited and extremely thankful for this incredible opportunity to be the head track and field and cross country coach at Saint Mary's University," Schneider said. "This is a special place with special people. Our future is very bright and I'm ready to begin a new era of track and field and cross country at SMU.

"Our family looks forward to joining the community of Winona and to be a part of the Saint Mary's campus."