Bio

David Nash was destined to become a track, and field standout. Growing up three blocks from the blue oval at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, the Hoover graduate arrived on the Morningside campus in 1986, beginning a 36-year association with the University as an athlete, coach, and Elite Masters level competitor. As an undergraduate, Nash held several school records at the time of his graduation, including the mile run (4:15.0), 800-meter run (1:51.03), the 1500-meter run, and the 1000-meter run. The highlight of Nash’s Morningside career was earning NCAA Division II All-American honors by finishing 8th in the 800-meter run in Hampton, Va. Nash joined the Mustang staff as assistant cross country, and track coach in the mid-1990’s. He was named head coach of both programs (men, and women) in 2003, starting a 19-year run filled with achievements, and awards.

Nash coached six national champions, over 200 All-Americans, and was named Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year eight times. The Mustangs captured three conference titles during that span. Nash first broke the 2-minute barrier in the 800-meter run as a Des Moines Hoover freshman at age 14.

Remarkably, he continued to break the 2:00 mark for 29 consecutive years in competition until age 43. He was a 12-time USA Track, and Field Masters, and sub-Masters champion in that event, as well as capturing two Drake Relays Masters titles in the 800-meter run.