ELMHURST, Ill. – Elmhurst University and Director of Athletics Dr. Glen Brittich have announced the hiring of David Stone as the next Director of Track and Field & Cross Country.

"We are thrilled to elevate Coach Stone to lead our track and field and cross country programs," said Director of Athletics Dr. Glen Brittich. "His deep commitment to Elmhurst, combined with his proven track record of developing student-athletes at a high level, makes him the ideal person to guide our teams forward. He brings energy, experience, and a clear vision for continued success."

A familiar face within the Bluejay community, Stone has been part of the Elmhurst coaching staff since 2017. Over the past three seasons, he has served as Associate Head Track and Field Coach. Before joining Elmhurst, Stone coached sprinters at Aurora University, where he helped guide the program to a tie for sixth place at the 2017 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Stone also brings extensive high school coaching experience, having spent eight years coaching cross country and six years coaching track and field at Benet Academy. During his tenure, the program won eight straight ESCC cross country titles and four ESCC track championships, along with multiple all-state honors and individual state champions. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Rockford Boylan High School, where he led the track and field program for two seasons. Over the years, Stone has coached nearly every event in track and field, producing consistent results at the state level.

"I am honored and humbled to have earned the trust of President Dr. Troy VanAken, Vice President Dr. Riordan, and Dr. Brittich to serve as the next Director of Track and Field & Cross Country here at Elmhurst," Stone said. "Coach Bartolazzi is truly irreplaceable, but I will do my very best to uphold the integrity and care he brought to this program. Being part of the Elmhurst program for the past seven years has been an incredible blessing, and I'm deeply grateful to Jordan for giving me the opportunity to grow as a coach. I love this team, and I'm excited to serve the entire program more fully in this new role."

At Elmhurst, Stone has been instrumental in building and developing the Bluejays' track and field programs. He has worked primarily with the jumps group in recent seasons, while also helping to establish the team's sprints and hurdles success during his early years. In his eight seasons with the program, Stone has coached student-athletes to more than 100 All-CCIW honors and 14 individual CCIW championships. He has also mentored several NCAA All-Americans, including Paulina Tinajero, Chloe Selmer, Lauren Marshall, and Ava David.

This past indoor season, Stone was named the USTFCCCA Midwest Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year after leading Elmhurst's women's long jump squad to the top national ranking. He also helped the women's track and field teams to their first-ever CCIW Championships, winning both the indoor and outdoor titles in 2025.

Stone competed in mid-distance and cross country at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and later earned a master's degree in physiology from Benedictine University. He resides in Elmhurst with his wife, Shannon, and their daughter, Lyla. Stone will officially take the reins of both programs at the start of June.