Ryan Cole, director of track & field and cross country at the Air Force Academy, has announced updates to the Falcons’ coaching staff for 2026. The announcement includes the hiring of Dan Stoll as an assistant coach and the return of several coaches with previous ties to the program.
Dan Stoll will be responsible for coaching the sprint, hurdle, and relay squads. He brings experience from his time as a three-time All-American and 11-time all-conference athlete at Heidelberg University. Stoll previously coached at North Park University from 2023 to 2025 and served as a graduate assistant at North Central College between 2022 and 2023. During his coaching career, he has worked with six All-Americans and 33 all-conference athletes.
The staff additions also include two Air Force Academy graduates. First Lieutenant Michelle Roca, who graduated in 2022 and holds the program record in the 400-meter hurdles, will assist with hurdles while serving at Schriever Space Force Base. First Lieutenant AJ Kedge, a member of the class of 2023, will continue as recruiting coordinator and assist with distance runners. Kedge is currently stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base but is expected to return to USAFA in the spring.
Scott Irving returns to assist javelin throwers after previously leading Air Force’s throwing program from 1999 to 2013. Irving coached athletes who won two NCAA titles in javelin during his earlier tenure.
Other members of the staff remain unchanged: Ryan Cole continues to oversee men’s middle distance and distance events; head coach Scott Steffan leads jumps and combined events; Laura Bowerman serves as assistant coach for women’s middle distance and distance; Kyle Lillie is responsible for rotational throws; former cross country coach Mark Stanforth remains involved with distance training.
“This morning (Jan. 8), with the hiring of assistant coach Dan Stoll and the return of several familiar faces to the Falcons’ program,” said Ryan Cole in his announcement.
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