The Marshalltown High School Activities Department is proud to introduce Bob Gilbertson as the new boys head coach for the Bobcat Track and Field program.
Gilbertson takes the baton from Doug Bacon, who recently retired from the school district after 26 years of service in teaching and coaching. He brings many years of coaching experience, knowledge of event logistics, and technology expertise that make him a perfect fit for the position.
“We’re extremely excited about Coach Gilbertson taking over the helm of this successful Bobcat program. We are confident that he will keep the momentum going,” said MHS Activities Director Ryan Isgrig. “Last year, we had a lot of students participating in track and field, with several athletes competing at the state meet.”
Gilbertson has been employed by the Marshalltown Community School District for 25 years as an educator and coach. He is a technology specialist at Miller Middle School.
“I am not a stranger to the coaching staff and athletes,” Gilbertson said. “I have a long history of coaching track and field in Marshalltown as a middle school coach and an assistant girls coach. I know what it means to be a Bobcat athlete, and I know Bobcat track and field, both past and present.”
The track and field arena has always been Gilbertson’s passion.
“It is a sport where each effort is measured in time, height or distance,” he said. “Each athlete competes against the other participants, but, more importantly, they are competing against themselves. I love helping athletes find out just what they can accomplish when they combine their talent with hard work and preparation.”
Gilbertson earned his B.A. from Wartburg College in 1995 and his M.A. from Viterbo University in 2010. He and his wife, Christine, reside in Marshalltown with their two boys, Charlie and Kyan, and their daughter, Faye.