This weekend, former Marian University cross country and track and field head coach, Dave Roberts, will be inducted into the Marian University M-Club Wall of Fame for his years of dedicated service to Marian University.
Roberts spent nearly 34 years at Marian from 1985-2012 and was the first coach of the cross country program. A three-time Mid-Central Conference Coach of the Year, Roberts led the Knights to two conference titles and coached five NAIA All-Americans. He coached 32 all-conference honorees and 28 NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
“I made it a priority to recruit students who had the potential for success in the classroom as well as on the playing field,” Roberts said. “I believed strongly that collegiate athletic experience was itself an extension of a student’s academic experience.”
In 1993, Roberts stepped into the head coaching role for Marian's track and field program in addition to his cross country duties. His success translated to the track as he was named Mid-Central Conference Coach of the Year in 2010, while coaching 21 all-conference athletes and 28 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. In 15 of his 19 seasons, Roberts coached at least one athlete who qualified for the NAIA Track and Field Championships.
“Marian University provided me with the opportunity to work with students, faculty, and staff in achieving my career goals. The ability to coach at the college level for 27 years was a dream come true,” Roberts said. “I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, who gave me the opportunity to teach, coach, work, with great students that cross my path.”
Along with coaching, Roberts served as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Career Services. He also served as Mid-Central Conference commissioner from 1990-2002.
The 2017 M-Club Wall of Fame Luncheon will be held Saturday, September 30, at 1 p.m. in Allison Mansion. The luncheon is a casual attire event and tickets will be $25.
