Manhattan, Kansas – A new chapter in track and field/cross country has begun in Manhattan as Kansas State Athletics announced the appointment of Travis Geopfert as their new head coach. Geopfert, bringing with him 22 years of coaching experience, including 12 as an assistant at Arkansas, joins the Wildcats following the retirement of longtime coach Cliff Rovelto. Rovelto, who achieved national recognition for his coaching prowess in high jump during his 32-year tenure at K-State, left behind a legacy of success that Geopfert aims to build upon.
Geopfert arrives from Arkansas, a program renowned for its dominant performance in NCAA championships across both men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor seasons. With a clear vision for K-State, Geopfert emphasized his commitment to fostering a team-oriented atmosphere geared towards achieving national competitiveness within the Big 12.
“The team atmosphere and individual efforts, moving towards something bigger than themselves,” Geopfert stated, outlining his approach. “We’re not here to just participate; we’re here to compete at the highest levels nationally and within the Big 12.”
Acknowledging the challenge of following in Rovelto’s footsteps, Geopfert expressed gratitude for the foundation and knowledge he gained under Rovelto’s mentorship, which contributed to recent high jump national titles at Arkansas.
Replacing such a respected figure as Rovelto required meticulous consideration by K-State Athletics, with head football coach Chris Klieman playing a pivotal role in Geopfert’s recruitment. Having known Geopfert since their time together at Northern Iowa, Klieman’s endorsement was crucial in solidifying Geopfert’s candidacy.
“When Chris recommended Travis, it really set things in motion,” commented Gene Taylor, athletics director at K-State. “His experience and the endorsement from Chris made him a top candidate for us.”
Reflecting on the hiring process, Geopfert expressed appreciation for Klieman’s guidance and insights into the culture at Kansas State.
“Coach Klieman called me, and we had a lengthy conversation about what Kansas State represents,” Geopfert recalled. “His advice was invaluable, and I’m grateful for his support.”
As Geopfert settles into his new role, he looks forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by Rovelto and steering the Wildcats towards continued success in track and cross country.
“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the tradition of excellence at Kansas State,” Geopfert affirmed. “I’m eager to work with our student-athletes and staff to pursue championships and uphold the standards of K-State athletics.”