Benkard Joins Track/XC Program as Assistant Coach

Miami University Director and Head Coach of Cross Country/Track and Field Russ Peterson announced the addition of Dexter Benkard to his program's staff today. Benkard will serve as an assistant coach with the RedHawks.

"I'm excited to be starting here at Miami and get to work with such a successful and storied program. I want to thank Coach Turner and Coach Peterson for the opportunity," said Benkard. "I'm also glad to continue my coaching career in Ohio, which has such a competitive year-round running culture."

Benkard comes to Miami from Otterbein University, where he has been a graduate assistant and recruiting coordinator for the Cardinals since 2022. During Benkard's time at Otterbein, the program produced eight OAC champions, 11 track and field national qualifiers, and 21 All-OAC honors. The Cardinals' 2022 men's cross country team qualified for the national championships and claimed the D3 All-Ohio title.

Benkard's responsibilities at Otterbein included creating and executing individualized training plans, designing and implementing lifting plans, coordinating recruiting visits, helping organize meets, and working with the head coach and program director to lead practices and team events.

Benkard, a USATF Level One certified coach, previously served as an assistant cross country coach for Lindberg High in St. Louis, Mo. He graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2021 and was a team captain on the Saints' cross country and track teams. Benkard was a member of St. Lawrence's 2019 Division III National Championships-qualifying cross country squad and was named the program's Coach's Award winner in both semesters of 2021.

Benkard owns a Bachelor's degree in Government with a Sport Studies and Exercise Science minor from St. Lawrence and earned his Master's of Science in Allied Healthcare from Otterbein in 2024.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dexter Benkard to our coaching staff. He brings a wealth of experience and success that will greatly benefit our distance athletes and the program as a whole," said Peterson. "Dexter's addition strengthens our team, bringing us one step closer to reaching the top of the podium.

"With a strong focus on recruiting and developing the next generation of athletes, Dexter will play a pivotal role in our continued success and future growth. We're excited to continue building on our momentum with him on board."

Miami begins the cross country season on Friday, Aug. 30 at Northern Kentucky's Queen City Invitational in Highland Heights, Ky.

Benkard Joins Track/XC Program as Assistant Coach

Related News

Related Videos