C-SC makes change in leadership for track and field programs, reinstates cross country program

CANTON, Mo. — Hunter Davis, the track and field and cross country coach at Iowa Wesleyan University, has been hired as the director of the track and field program at Culver-Stockton College. He also will re-start the cross country program after a one-year hiatus.

Doug Savage will not return as head coach of the track and field programs for the 2023-24 school year.

In a press release, Culver-Stockton College Director of Athletics Pat Atwell said, “Iowa Wesleyan has had vibrant track and field and cross country programs under Coach Davis’ leadership. He is a proven recruiter and a proven coach with several students earning trips to nationals.

“Having the ability to reintroduce cross country with a sitting cross country coach is an important addition to our athletic program. Track and field and cross country has unlimited growth potential, and we think Coach Davis is the guy who can make that vision a reality.”

Davis is in his second season as head coach at Iowa Wesleyan and his fourth year overall. Iowa Wesleyan will close at the end of the current school year.

“It was a very surreal and scary time when we are told a school that you have put your heart and soul into is closing down at the end of the year,” Davis said. “My first thoughts were not, ‘I’m out of a job.’ My first thoughts were trying to scramble to help find my kids a new home and confirm we had the ability to finish the season. We gathered the team for a meeting, and with no hesitation, they wanted to finish the final ride (current season).”

“I later received a call from Pat (Atwell) and immediately knew it was a perfect fit. I couldn’t be more excited to take over the track and field program and the opportunity to restart the cross country program. I helped restart the track and field program (at Iowa Wesleyan) in 2020, and we have come a long way in a brief time. I’m excited to do it again. The opportunity is perfect.”

A native of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Davis graduated from Morningside College in 2019 with a degree in mass communication and a minor in sports management. As an athlete, Davis competed in cross country and threw the javelin for the Mustangs. Davis was named team captain his senior season at Morningside.