In 2002 Dr. Daniel Kuebler became the first head coach of Franciscan University's men's and women's cross country program. An assistant professor of biology, Dr. Kuebler has been with the University since 2001.

Dr. Kuebler has over 10 years of coaching experience, beginning in 1995 when he served as assistant coach before moving up to head coach of cross country and track at St. Mary's High School in Berkeley, California. In 2000, Dr. Kuebler moved to Hyattsville, Maryland, where he coached track at DeMatha High School before accepting his current position at Franciscan University.

Over the past three years, Dr. Kuebler has seen Franciscan's cross country program dramatically expand and become increasingly competitive. Dr. Kuebler received a bachelor's degree in English in 1993 and a master's in biology in 1995 from the Catholic University of America. He went on to receive his doctorate in molecular and cell biology in 1999 from the University of California at Berkeley.

Dr. Kuebler competed in cross country and track at the Catholic University of America. In 1994, he finished fifth in the nation in the 800 meters at the Division III indoor track and field championships, garnering NCAA All-American honors. He was also a GTE Academic All-American in both cross country and track and field during the 1993-1994 season.

Dr. Kuebler and his wife, Nellie, reside in nearby Wintersville, Ohio, with their three children, Joseph, Patrick, and Carolyn.

Shaun McKeegan is in his third year as assistant coach of Cross Country and Track.

McKeegan ran cross country all four years in high school. He attended Franciscan University and was a member of the men’s soccer team and coached women’s club soccer as a student. After graduating, McKeegan ran in several marathons and triathlons. In 2003, he was a member of an elite run team in the U.S. Army.

In 2004 and 2005, McKeegan coached a local high school boys’ soccer team. In 2006, he placed first for his age group in the Hocking Hills 40K.

Shaun and his wife Maura live in Steubenville, OH with their two young children, Grace and Finn.

Don Bennette is currently in his second year as assistant coach at FUS. He started as assistant coach of Cross Country in 2008 and then as assistant coach for Track and Field in 2009.

Bennette assists the distance team and its staff and serves as an assistant to the Head Coach. He has also served the University as a Custodial Coordinator in Physical Plant Services, since 2000.

Bennette ran Cross Country and Track in High School, but his real passion for running was the Marathon (2 hours 45 minutes at age 19). He was recruited to run for the U.S. Naval Academy and is an All-Time Navy Men’s Cross Country letter winner; one of three freshman who earned a letter in the first year NCAA allowed freshman to compete in Varsity Sports, in 1971. Bennette started sharing his gift of running as a coach even while at the Naval Academy, and has been a coach with the Steubenville Striders Track and Field team and the Steubenville Heart of Mary Home School baseball program.

Don and his wife, Terri, live in Steubenville and have been blessed with eleven children and fourteen grandchildren.