Ottumwa -- Brent Ewing, an assistant coach under Scott Barnes in the Indian Hills men's and women's cross country and track and field programs the past two years, has been named the new Head Coach, Running Programs at IHCC.

Ewing is a former all-state track athlete at Centerville High School who was a student-athlete at Central College and a coach at Truman State University prior to arriving at Indian Hills.

"Indian Hills has always been a part of my life since I was a kid growing up in Cincinnati, Iowa," Ewing said.  "Being able to coach in my own backyard and help lead a program that is quickly on the rise is a dream come true.  I am very fortunate to work for an institution that values the success of student-athletes.  I'd like to thank our athletic director, Brett Monaghan, and our president, Dr. Marlene Sprouse, for such an amazing opportunity.  I'd also like to thank Scott Barnes for bringing me on staff two years ago as an assistant coach.  Scott has taught me how to manage a program at the highest level and I am forever grateful for that."

Ewing says his plan is to continue to establish Indian Hills as one of the premier junior college cross country and track and field programs in the midwest and in the nation.  "We have created a lot of momentum these past few years under coach Barnes," the new head coach points out, "and my goal is to build on that success.  Since I've been here, I've had a dream and a vision of what I think this program can be.  With our institution's support and the talent level our student-athletes present, I think we're ready to turn the corner and surprise some people.  I am very excited for what's to come."

Monaghan said he considers Ewing a talented coach who has proven since day one as an assistant an innate ability to identify talent, develop that talent and put young people in a position to succeed.  "This was really an easy decision to elevate Brent as he has displayed all the characteristics of a successful head coach," the Indian Hills AD said.  "His passion for working with young people, helping them succeed and running in general will allow us to continue to grow our programs, both in cross country and track and field.  I look forward to seeing where he is able to take this already successful program."

Indian Hills will begin an imediate search to fill Ewing's spot.  He officially replaces Barnes after the NJCAA National Championships this month.  Barnes has taken a job as cross country and track and field coach at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.