By Kylian Galtier/ Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College has added a new leader to its athletic staff, hiring of Scott Roberts as head coach of the men’s and women’s track and field program. 

Coaching has been part of Roberts’ life for decades, but his connection to the sport began much earlier.

Roberts discovered track and field in the fourth grade when he began competing as a young athlete. He went on to run collegiately at Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University), where he specialized in the 400m and 400m hurdles. During his career there, he set eight school records and earned All-American honors in the distance medley relay. 

His passion for competition eventually shifted toward coaching, where he found his purpose in mentoring young athletes.

“My favorite part of coaching is helping to mentor young people. That’s what makes this job meaningful,” Roberts said. 

Roberts brings extensive experience from high school to the collegiate levels. He served as head boys coach at Logan-Magnolia High School (Iowa), head coach at Louisville High School (Nebraska), and head girls cross country/track coach at Muscatine High School (Iowa). 

At the collegiate level, Roberts has been an assistant coach at Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of Alabama, UTEP, the University of Memphis, and Lindenwood University, where he also served as head coach. He most recently worked as head coach at Hawkeye Community College before accepting the position at Missouri Valley.

In addition to track and field, Roberts has coached multiple sports, including football and wrestling. At Alabama, he worked with the football team’s speed development and even assisted Crimson Tide players as they prepared for the NFL Combine. 

These experiences gave him a wide range of skills that he now brings into his coaching philosophy.

When asked why he chose MVC, Roberts pointed to the people.

“I know a number of the current staff, and having worked with President Parisi at Lindenwood, I trust the leadership here. That made MVC the right choice.”

For Roberts, relationships are the foundation of coaching.

“Relationships are the most important thing,” he said. “Building relationships is the best way to accomplish common goals. Most issues in any endeavor can be overcome through solid communication.”

Roberts said his short-term goals are to continue improving the team and ensure the athletes who have committed to the program receive the best possible experience. In the long term, he hopes to grow the roster significantly, rise in the conference standings and ultimately win a Heart of America Athletic Conference championship.

“Belief is the key,” Roberts explained. “There is almost nothing that can’t be overcome with persistence and belief in yourself and what is possible within you.”

After only a few weeks on campus, Roberts is already encouraged by what he sees in his athletes.

“I am pleased with the attitude and effort of the young men and women in the program. Our next step is to help these young people develop confidence in their abilities.”

While acknowledging that facility upgrades can be helpful, Roberts said he believes the college will provide strong support in his efforts to strengthen the program. Personally, he also views MVC as the place where he wants to finish his coaching career. 

“I expect this to be my last stop as a collegiate coach. I’ve coached at nearly every level, and I want to help this program get back to where it is supposed to be.”

A native of Muscatine, Iowa, Roberts graduated from Midland Lutheran College in 1991 with a degree in Secondary Education (Social Science) and a minor in Human Resources.

With decades of coaching experience, a background in multiple sports, and a deep commitment to mentorship, Missouri Valley College has gained a coach ready to lead its track and field athletes to success both on and off the track.