Dan Fitzsimmons
Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach – 4th Season
Mount Marty University
Dan Fitzsimmons enters his fourth season at the helm of the Mount Marty University cross country and track & field programs, bringing with him a distinguished career that spans more than three decades at the high school and collegiate levels. A highly respected figure in South Dakota athletics, Fitzsimmons has made an immediate impact at MMU with his commitment to developing student-athletes and elevating the program’s competitive standard.
Prior to joining Mount Marty, Fitzsimmons served as the head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach at the University of South Dakota (USD) for 14 seasons. During his tenure, he helped guide the Coyotes through a successful transition to NCAA Division I and led the women’s cross country team to five Summit League championships (2014–2018). He was named Summit League Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year five times and coached numerous all-conference athletes, individual champions, and MVPs in both cross country and track.
Fitzsimmons’ distance athletes at USD earned 48 individual conference titles and contributed to 11 conference championships and 25 runner-up team finishes in indoor and outdoor track. His mentorship developed standout performers like Amber Eichkorn, Jeff Mettler, and Eldon Warner—athletes who garnered Track Championship MVP honors under his guidance.
Before his success at USD, Fitzsimmons built powerhouse programs at Yankton High School (YHS). As head coach of the cross country team (1997–2007) and track & field team (2002–2007), he led YHS to five national top-20 cross country rankings, four combined boys and girls state championships, eight total team titles, and multiple Coach of the Year honors at both the state and regional levels. In track & field, he developed 20 individual state champions and two South Dakota Gatorade Track and Field Performers of the Year.
Fitzsimmons' dedication and impact were recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the South Dakota Cross Country and Track & Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“Fitzsimmons is a highly respected coach with deep roots in Yankton athletics,” said MMU Athletic Director Andy Bernatow. “We are getting an amazing leader and outstanding coach. His guidance will strengthen not only our programs but the entire athletic department.”
Dan and his wife, Cecilia, reside in Yankton and are proud to be part of the Lancer community. Fitzsimmons continues to lead with a passion for excellence, a focus on student-athlete growth, and a commitment to the values of Mount Marty University.
