On Monday, Travis Geopfert was named the seventh full-time Director of Track and Field/Cross Country in Kansas State’s history.
Geopfert brings 22 years of coaching experience to Manhattan, most recently serving as associate head coach of track and field at the University of Arkansas. He and K-State head football coach Chris Klieman, who both previously worked at Northern Iowa University, have a longstanding connection. K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor and Geopfert both acknowledged Klieman’s role in facilitating Geopfert’s move to K-State.
“I appreciate your [Klieman] time and the conversations that have helped me understand what Kansas State means for my family and me,” Geopfert said.
A significant factor in Geopfert’s decision to join K-State was the impressive facilities and the ongoing construction of a new Track and Field complex. Geopfert praised the existing facilities, calling them “world-class” and highlighting their status as some of the best training environments globally.
Geopfert is known for his impressive coaching resume, having trained 15 Olympians, including eight who will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Before starting his role at K-State, he will coach his Olympic athletes in Paris.
He succeeds the legendary Cliff Rovelto, who led K-State’s track and cross-country programs for 31 years. Both Taylor and Geopfert expressed deep gratitude for Rovelto’s contributions and the solid foundation he established in Manhattan.
