Alan Cress named the head men's and women's track & field coach in 2025 after being with the program since 2015, building one of the NAIA's premier throwing programs while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and student-athlete development. With extensive experience coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, combined with a decorated career as a thrower, Cress has established himself as one of the region's most respected throws coaches.
Since arriving at Providence, Cress has guided the Argos to unprecedented success in the throwing events. Under his leadership, the program has produced dozens of NAIA National Championship qualifiers, multiple NAIA All-Americans, Frontier Conference champions, and school record holders. His athletes have consistently ranked among the nation's best, with every University of Providence throwing record being rewritten during his tenure. Through his emphasis on technical mastery, strength development, and competitive preparation, Cress has helped elevate the Argos into annual contenders on the conference and national stage.
Before joining the University of Providence, Cress spent six years coaching at the Montana high school level, serving as an assistant coach at Darby High School and Beaverhead County High School. During that time, he coached numerous state placewinners, including six Montana state champions and 16 athletes who earned top-six finishes at the Montana State Track & Field Championships. His success at the prep level established a reputation for developing technically sound, highly competitive throwers.
In addition to coaching, Cress remains active within the track & field community through the National Throws Coaches Association, USA Track & Field, and the Montana Coaches Association. He also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management from the University of Providence and is committed to mentoring student-athletes as competitors, students, and future leaders.
Cress is a member of the National Throws Coaches Association, USA Track and Field - Montana, and the Montana Coaches Association. He holds certifications with the MHSA Coach Education Program, NAIA Champions of Character, United States Center for SAFESPORT and has also earned a State of Montana Class 2 Teaching License for K-12 Physical Education and Health. Cress completed his M.S. in Organizational Management at the University of Providence in the Fall of 2016.Â
