Unity Christian/University of Northern Iowa 2021 IATC Hall of Fame
As we all know the state of Iowa has produced countless track and field athletes over the years who competed, with a great deal of success at a very high level.
From sprinters to hurdlers. From middle distance runners to distance runners. From throwers to jumpers. Former Unity Christian prep, Tyler Mulder, accumulated as many outstanding accolades, as anyone, over a long and successful career.
In high school Mulder was a 3-time 2A finalist in the 800 meters and finished his high school career in 2005 by winning the state title in a then 2A meet record of 1:54.97 plus anchoring the Unity Christian 1600 medley to gold, setting yet another state meet record.
After graduating from high school, Tyler took his talents to UNI and had a remarkable career. He was the 2008 NCAA indoor 800 champion, an eight-time All-American as well as an 11-time Missouri Valley Conference champion.
He still holds UNI outdoor school records in the 800 Meters, 4×400 meter relay and Sprint Medley Relay, and indoor records in the 1,000 Meters and Distance Medley Relay.
After a stellar collegiate career, Tyler had the chance to run for the Nike Oregon Track Club in Eugene, Oregon. With the 800 being his primary event, he placed 4th in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials. In 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013, he was a USA Championships finalist, in addition to getting 4th in the 2011 Pan Am games. He also ran the 800 leg of the American Record setting indoor Distance Medley relay in 2010. His personal bests are 1:44.34 in the 800M, 3:42.53 in the 1,500M, 3:57.37 in the mile and is one of just five former Iowa preps to break 4:00.
Tyler received his degree in exercise science along with a coaching minor, from UNI in 2009. He worked with UNI Track and Field from 2015 to 2016 as a volunteer coach and for the past 5 years has been the Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. Coach Mulder was recently named the Junior College Division 2 Midwest Region Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.
Tyler is married to former UNI Track standout Kara Yahn and they have 2 children, Vinny and Ivy.