Coaching Background
Craig Heynen took the head coaching duties of the Dordt University track and field program in 2008 after serving as a professor in the physical education department at the University of South Dakota. Prior to his work at the University of South Dakota Heynen held various basketball and track and field coaching responsibilities at Mount Vernon Christian School (Washington) and San Jose Christian (California).
Heynen’s women’s and men’s indoor and outdoor teams at Dordt have finished in the top-three at the GPAC Championships 21 times and the men’s team claimed a team title at the 2021 Indoor GPAC Championships and was the NAIA National Champion Runner-Up that same season.
Heynen has coached 50 relay teams that have earned NAIA All-American status and 88 individuals. He’s guided four relay teams to national titles and eight individuals and has coached 14 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
Heynen was named the GPAC Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2012 and the 2020 and 2021 GPAC Men’s Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. He was also named the USTFCCCA Regional Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year.
Coaching Philosophy
Through athletics we have the opportunity to please God by using the gifts he has given us. I believe that God has given us a wide variety of abilities and talents, and by developing them for his service, we honor him. Being involved in a sport provides student-athletes with many opportunities for growth. The challenges of training, competing, and performing test an individual's character, and under the right circumstances can teach many valuable lessons. A team that exhibits unity, supports and challenges one another, and is focused on serving God can be a great example of how to live as a Christian community. Dordt University track and field strives to incorporate these principles as we work together to serve God through this sport.
Athletic Background
While an athlete at Dordt Heynen was a four-year member of the track and field team. He earned most valuable athlete honors at Dordt in 1988 and 1990.
Academic Background
Ed. D. University of South Dakota
M.S. Emporia State University
B. A. Dordt University (formerly known as Dordt College)
Family
Wife - Karen
Children - Joshua, Joel, Anna
June 24, 2025
