Bethel College (KS)

Mark comes to Bethel after spending the previous 10 years at Central Methodist University. As the Head Track and Field Coach, Nelson oversees the development of the sprinters and jumpers during the track season. As the Director of Cross Country Operations, Nelson helps with administrative duties when needed.
 
Nelson has guided three national champions, 33 All-Americans, three CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and oversaw over 60 school records during his tenure at CMU. He was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the year on two occasions, in 2014 and 2015.

In 2015, Nelson led his teams to a top 10 finish in the NAIA indoor season and coached two Indoor National Champions.
 
Prior to Central Methodist, Nelson spent 13 years as a high school history teacher and coach in Dixon, Ill. During his time at Dixon, he was part of a staff that won six straight conference titles in track and field, and had an eight-year undefeated streak in dual meets. In addition to track and field, Nelson helped coach the boy's cross country team to the state championship and the girl's cross country team to a fourth place finish in 2008.
 
Prior to his time at Dixon, Nelson coached at Sauk Valley Community College (Ill.), where he led the team to a national top 15 team finish in the NJCAA National Men's Cross Country Championships.

Nelson graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and History. He earned his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University.
 
While at Augustana, Nelson competed for the Vikings in track and field. In 1996, Nelson earned NCAA D-III All-American honors in the triple jump.

Nelson is a USATF Level II certified coach in the jumps.

Nelson currently resides in Newton with his wife Colleen and his daughter Stephanie. His older daughter, Jennifer, is a student at Central Methodist University.