The new Wartburg College cross country home opener scheduled for Friday, August 31, will be named in honor of John Kurtt, a 1953 Wartburg graduate and professor emeritus of physical education.
Kurtt served as Wartburg’s athletic director from 1964 to 1991 and was the men’s head cross country coach from 1961 to 1988 and head baseball coach from 1982 to 1993. He earned his professor emeritus status following his retirement in 1993.
In cross country, Kurtt coached eight national qualifier teams, three All-Americans, four Iowa Conference MVPs, and 71 All-Conference runners. His teams also won four IIAC championships, and he received the Iowa Conference Coach of the Year award four times.
In baseball, he mentored one IIAC MVP and 27 All-Conference selections.