(LEBANON, Ill. – Aug 26) – The McKendree University head cross country and track and field coach Agne Eggerth announced the addition of Curtis Bell and Kelsey Betthauser to her coaching staff on Thursday. Both Bell and Betthauser will act as graduate assistant coaches for the men's and women's cross country and track and field teams.

"I'm very happy for Kelsey and Curtis to join my staff," said Eggerth. "They are both young professionals who are bringing some unique experiences and knowledge of their own, but also willing to learn new things and grow with us as a program."

Curtis Bell, a Coleman, Mich. native, attended Aquinas College in his home-state where he was a member of the track and field team. While competing for the Saints, he was a successful pole vaulter. His accolades include two individual Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) titles, six NAIA All-American titles, three NAIA National Championships, the 2017 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Regional Field Athlete of the Year for his indoor season performance and the 2018 USTFCCCA award for his outdoor season.

"I'm really excited to be part of the growing program," said Bell. "McKendree has done some great things in the past and I'm just happy to take part in the future success of the team."

After graduation, Bell worked as a volunteer assistant coach at Central Michigan University, and specifically worked with all jumps and multis. While working with the Chippewas, he helped the women's team to their first conference championship since 2004.

Bell graduated in 2018 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.

The second addition to the cross country and track and field coaching staff is Kelsey Betthauser. Originally an Ellsworth, Wisc. native, Betthauser headed west to Iowa for undergrad where she attended the University of Dubuque. Throughout undergrad, she competed for the indoor track and field team for two seasons, the outdoor track and field team for four seasons, and was a member of the women's basketball team for two years. Her area of expertise in track and field competition was the shot put, weight throw, javelin, discus and hammer events. As a Spartan, she held the university record for discus (44.82m) at 147'0.0" from her 2017 performance, was a one-time All-Conference honoree, a three-time Conference Champion and a three-time NCAA National Qualifier.

"I'm looking forward to developing as a coach while strengthening the track and field program at McKendree," said Betthauser.

Betthauser graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness and Exercise Science as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

In Bell's time here, he will be assisting with jumps and pole vault while Betthauser will be working with the throws group.