About the Iowa Association of Track Coaches

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Promoting Track & Field & Cross Country Since 1969

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches began in 1969 with one of Iowa’s best-known track & field coaches, Bill Bergan.

At the time, Coach Bergan was coaching track & field at Columbus High School in Waterloo. He collaborated with Bill Easton, the great Kansas University and Drake University coach, and Merlin Gish, Shawnee Mission’s famed coach, about how Kansas had organized the Kansas Track Coaches Association. Those early conversations laid the groundwork and helped him develop a plan. He then called on Hall of Fame coach Fred Shadle, of Osage, to discuss and help organize Iowa’s track coaches association.

Yes, the legend is true: The IATC was formed in Bill Bergan’s basement.

Serving Coaches, Athletes & Fans Across the State

Coach Bergan was asked to be the first president, and the IATC was born. He later became the head coach at Iowa State University, where he finished his career in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. The IATC has been blessed with outstanding leaders, and because of that, the organization has blossomed into one of the most active and successful track coaches associations in the United States.

Today, the IATC offers coaches, athletes, and fans opportunities in athletic competition, recognition of outstanding accomplishments, coaching assistance, and information to make the cross country and track & field experience special.

Quick Links

IATC Bylaws

IATC Constitution