Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – Northern State University Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, Lynne Dingman announced the addition of NSU alumna Mary Garner to the staff today. Garner will join the Wolves specializing in coaching the distance events for both the cross country and track & field programs.

“We are excited to have Mary join our staff,” explained Dingman. “Mary had a storied career during her time at Northern. She was an NSIC All-Conference performer and former school record holder. She knows our program and school, inside and out. Mary holds a very high character and knows what it takes to perform in the NSIC.  We are proud to have her join our Northern family of alumni coaches.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue my journey in a place that’s meant so much to me over the years,” noted Garner. “Northern has shaped who I am as an athlete, coach, and person, and I’m excited to give back to the program that helped me grow. I’m looking forward to investing in our student-athletes; helping them chase their goals and develop as athletes and as people.”

A graduate of Northern State, Garner is not a stranger to the program, running for both the cross country and track & field programs for five years. She most recently served as an assistant coach with the gymnastics and cross country programs at Aberdeen Central High School.

In addition, Garner led the strength and conditioning efforts for the Aberdeen Wings, a Tier II junior hockey team in the North American Hockey League. She spent the 2024-25 school year on staff at Aberdeen Christian School as a physical education teacher working with grades K-12 and as the Assistant Athletic Director.

Garner graduated with her bachelor’s degrees in Human Performance and Fitness, Sports Administration, and Business Administration from Northern State University. She earned NSIC All-Conference accolades at the 2023 Indoor Championships, taking third in the 1000m with a school record time. Garner competed at three NSIC Championships and two NCAA Central Region Championships in cross country. Mary and her husband Sam reside in Aberdeen.