The NDSU athletic department announced longtime Bison assistant track and field coach Stevie Keller has been elevated to serve as interim head coach for the women’s track and field and cross country programs.

Keller began his coaching career at NDSU as a graduate assistant in 2000 and recently completed his 14th year on the staff. He was promoted to associate head coach of women¹s and men¹s track and field in 2008.

Ryun Godfrey, who spent 15 years as head coach of the Bison program, announced Sept. 23 he had accepted a position at Kansas State University.

“This move ensures continuity and stability for our very successful program,” said NDSU director of women’s athletics Lynn Dorn. “Well-suited to lead, Coach Keller possesses a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge. He is well-respected by his colleagues, peers and the student-athletes alike.”

Keller has mentored six Bison athletes to a combined 11 All-America honors since 2009. In all, Keller-coached athletes have earned 191 All-Summit League honors and 68 Summit League titles over the past seven seasons.

“We have a great group of student-athletes who are highly motivated to continue the rich tradition of NDSU track and field,” said Keller. “Our coaching staff has a tremendous passion and knowledge of the sport of track and field, which will help us make a seamless transition.”

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