MORRIS, Minn. – University of Minnesota Morris Athletics has announced that Tony Krueger has been promoted to director of track & field, while Josh Kuusisto has been named head track & field coach.
"The future of UMN Morris track & field could not be brighter with Coach Krueger and Coach Kuusisto moving into greater leadership roles within our track and field program," interim director of athletics Matt Johnson '03 said. "They demonstrate their deep commitment to our Cougar student-athletes every day and provide amazing support for their students, while bringing an immeasurable amount of knowledge and ability to track & field.
"Even more exciting however is knowing the type of people they are. Their abilities to form meaningful relationships and develop student athletes on and off the track are second to none. I am excited to have these two outstanding leaders continue in their new roles supporting our student-athletes and growing this program."
Krueger, a 2008 graduate of UMN Morris, has been a part of the Cougar cross country and track & field coaching staff for the past eight seasons.
As a student, Krueger was a member of the track & field team for four years and was also a captain of the first-ever men's cross country team in 2007.
While a member of the coaching staff, Krueger has led the Cougars cross country program to 25 all-conference, three all-region members, and one All-American award in cross country. His track distance athletes have earned more than 60 all-conference awards. Cougar runners have also excelled in the classroom during his tenure, having won USTFCCCA all-academic team awards in 2012, '14, '18 .
"I want to acknowledge the strength of leadership, professionalism and expertise that former Coach Jess Devine brought to the Cougar track and field program," Krueger said. "Coach Devine was instrumental in moving this program forward in many ways. The future is bright as Coach Kuusisto is someone who has played a big part in making our track and field successes possible. He has a wealth of experience, and a deep passion for the sport and for improving the lives and well-being of our student athletes. I have the deepest respect for him and I am excited to see his leadership in action!
"I am also excited to expand my own role in support of the head coach as the director of track & field. This new structure recognizes the complexity of managing and coaching a collegiate track and field team, and I look forward to increasing my capacity to serve our amazing team and Cougar Athletics!"
Krueger received his Bachelor of Arts in history from UMN Morris and Master of Education from UMN Duluth.
Kuusisto joined the Cougar staff as an assistant coach in track and field and cross country in 2015. He specializes in working with throwing events.
"I am excited to continue the traditions and build upon the successful program that Coach Devine helped develop at UMN Morris," Kuusisto said. "I am also beyond excited to continue to work with Coach Krueger, seeing the success he has cultivated as the head cross country coach, the dedication he has to pursuing strong connections with our alumni, and the dedication he has to this track & field team."
Morris is a very special place. I am excited to lead the track & field program and to see the athletes excel in the classroom and on the field and track."
During his time at UMN Morris, Kuusisto has coached 115 all-conference honorees and nine conference champions. At the 2019 UMAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the throws program accounted for 126 points to help the women's team to the conference title.
Prior to joining the Cougars, Kuusisto was a throws coach at his alma mater, Greenville University.
As a student-athlete, he was a two-time NCAA All-American in the hammer and weight throw in 2013 and '14 and also won the NCCAA National Championship in both the hammer and weight.
In addition, he excelled in the classroom, being named to the Dean's List eight times. He earned academic all-conference honors in 2011-14, and was recognized as a CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2013 and '14.
Kuusisto earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in education from Greenville University. He has eight athletic certifications, including three from the United States Olympic Committee and most recently achieved USTFCCCA strength and conditioning certification and USATF level two in jumps and throws.
A search for an assistant coach for the track & field and cross country programs is currently underway.
