Former professional runner and two-time NCAA cross country All-American Andrew Carlson has joined the NDSU track and field programs as an assistant coach. The announcement was made July 31.

Carlson will direct the distance runners for the men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams. He previously was a part-time assistant for the Bison in 2014.

“We are very excited to have Andrew with us,” said NDSU head women’s track and field and cross country coach Ryun Godfrey. “He made an immediate impact on our program this spring as a part-time coach, and his passion for the sports of cross country and track and field is easily recognized. His knowledge, experience and dedication will help Bison cross country and track and field not only become stronger on the conference level, but also on the regional and national stage.”

A 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Carlson was a two-time NCAA All-American in cross country and set the school record in the 5,000 meters. He was the 2002 and 2004 NCAA Midwest Region champion in cross country and a two-time runner-up in the Big Ten outdoor 5,000 meters.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.