Chuck Van Hecke

Chuck Van Hecke, was born and raised in Beresford, SD. During his high school career he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He received Honorable Mention Allstate in football, All Conference in basketball, and was an All-District Catcher in baseball. After graduation from high school, Chuck attended the University of South Dakota receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1964. Chuck was the co-captain of the football team and was selected the Outstanding College Senior by the Rotary Club. After receiving his degree, he began his career at Primghar, IA as a biology teacher and coached football and basketball. From there he had stops in Beresford, SD, Aurelia, IA, Carroll Kuemper, Denison and finally Muscatine, IA. Chuck has been the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal and Principle at Muscatine High School. He has held this position for the last 17 years. As a track coach, Chuck excelled. During his fifteen year career his teams won eleven conference championships and eight district championships. His teams set 14 school records at Kuemper and 16 at Denison. His teams were listed in the Omaha World Herald’s All-Time Best List in several events. As much as he accomplished as a coach, Chuck has had even more success as an Athletic Director. Here are some of his accomplishments. IHSADA Southeast Athletic Director of the Year 1986-1987 President of the IHSADA in 1989-1990 Board of Directors since 1986 1997 National Athletic Director of the Year. Chuck has also served on various committees for both the Iowa Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. Some of these are Chairman of the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee a member of the Track Advisory Committee Member of the Board of Control of the IHSAA Head Finish Judge of the 1996 State Cross Country Meet. Chuck was one of the founders of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches. He served as President of the IATC while he was coaching in Denison. He has served as a meet manager for numerous district cross country and track meets for both the IHSAA and the IGHSAU. In addition he has organized and administered many invitational and tournaments throughout his tenure at Muscatine High School. Chuck has also published several articles for professional magazines on athletic administration. Chuck is married and has two sons. His wife is Gail and sons are John and Rick. Chuck and Gail have one grandson named Garrett.