FULTON, Mo. — William Woods University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Bontz to lead the track and field/cross country program. Bontz, a former assistant coach for the Owls under Dan Schwab, steps into the role following a successful stint as an assistant coach for the Columbia College Cougars. 

"It brings me great pleasure to announce Ryan Bontz as our next Head Track and Field Coach," added Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Spielbauer. "Having worked at William Woods before, Ryan brings a great knowledge of his sport and The Woods to the table. I'm excited for our current and future Owl track and field competitors, but also for our staff and campus community. Ryan is a great addition!" 

While at Columbia College, Bontz led the sprints, jumps and hurdles groups for the Cougars. During the 2026 season, he coached multiple program records in the 4x100-meter relay, 4x400-meter relay and 200-meter dash as Columbia captured the AMC Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships. 

Before joining the staff in Columbia, Bontz served as an assistant coach under future WWU Hall of Fame Coach Dan Schwab. He oversaw the same sprints, jumps and hurdles groups, helping redefine those events at The Woods. Under his direction, athletes reached their potential and established numerous records that still stand at William Woods. 

Prior to his first stint with the Owls, Bontz spent more than two seasons at Williams Baptist College, now Williams Baptist University. During his tenure with the Eagles, he developed and led practice drills for sprinters, middle-distance runners, throwers and distance runners. Bontz coached the first two All-Conference athletes in program history and the first WBU runner to win a conference championship. 

Preceding his time in Walnut Ridge, Bontz spent two seasons as the assistant cross country and track and field coach at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio. During his time with the Trail Blazers, he helped double the size of the cross country and track and field teams. He also organized fundraising projects and recruited prospective student-athletes by attending high school meets. 

Bontz began his coaching career at Hannibal-LaGrange University, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach. He assisted with recruiting at local high school meets and supported the program in various capacities. 

Bontz earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2011 and later added a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University. 

Bontz takes over an Owls program entering its second year of competition in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.