GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Cornerstone athletics family is excited to announce the addition of Josh Neideck as the new Head Coach for the men's and women's cross country programs, as announced by Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves. Neideck has spent his running and coaching career in the Crossroads League as he ran for Indiana Wesleyan from 2014-18, was an assistant there in 2018-19, and then moved on to Taylor as an assistant coach to begin the 2019-20 season. 
 
Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves is excited to add Neideck to the Cornerstone athletics team stating, "From the moment I met Josh, I felt he could be a great fit for our community at Cornerstone. He brings the entire package in what we are looking for in our coaches as he is committed to the spiritual growth of our student athletes, he wants to challenge them to excel in the classroom, and has the drive to push them to be the best in their given sport. His competitive background in what he did in college and how he has transitioned into coaching will be a great addition to CU." 
 
When asked about the transition to a head coaching role at Cornerstone Neideck stated, "My wife and I are extremely excited to be a part of the Cornerstone University athletics department and for the opportunity to continue the tradition of a well-established men's and women's cross country program. It is an incredible privilege to be able to coach these athletes to utilize their God-given talents to the best of their abilities while centering their goals around Jesus Christ. Not only has God provided an incredible job placement for my family, but it allows me to return back to my hometown and birthplace since we moved away to Indiana in 2009." 
 
Neideck was a prolific runner at Indiana Wesleyan from 2014-18, qualifying for NAIA Nationals in 11 of his 12 opportunities over his four years. He is an eight-time NAIA All-American and he anchored the Wildcat 4x800 team to an NAIA National Championship in 2018. As a senior, Neideck was also named the Indiana Wesleyan Male Athlete of the Year. 


 
After his outstanding running career, Neideck jumped right into coaching at IWU. After one season there, Neideck moved over to another Crossroads League school in Taylor University to serve as an assistant. In his two years of coaching, Neideck led the two separate programs to back-to-back NAIA National Runner-Up finishes. Neideck was also a part of the coaching staff that won NAIA Men's Cross Country/Track & Field Program of the Year. 
 
Neideck is now ready to take on his first Head Coaching role serving as the men's and women's cross country coach. He will also work alongside Head Coach of Track & Field Andy Wright during the indoor and outdoor track & field seasons. 
 
"With all the moving parts of our Track & Field and Cross Country teams, culture is incredibly important to our program. Everywhere Josh has been he has taken exceptional care of his teammates and fellow coaches. He has left it better than he found it and more importantly he is a servant leader, and he does all that by relying on his relationship with Christ. Getting to know Josh through this process has been awesome. I am excited to partner with Josh as we build on the solid foundation that has been laid before us. This team, the staff, and myself are looking forward to welcoming Josh to the CUTF family. Together we soar!" – Track & Field Coach Andy Wright


 
Being a Rockford native, Neideck is excited to move his family back to the Grand Rapids area after spending over a decade in Indiana. Neideck, his wife Emily, and son Asher will make the transition to Grand Rapids this week as Neideck begins work the beginning of February. 
 
Contact: Jesse Campbell | nathan-jesse.campbell@cornerstone.edu| 616-222-1505
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