Ben Duea is the first Northwest High School Girls Track and Field Head Coach in program history.

Where did you grow up?

Waukee, Iowa

Where did you go to school?

Waukee High School 2008, BA Simpson College 13′, MA Emporia State 21′

How did you get into track and field? When did you start?

I am a fourth generation head track coach, my dad, grandpa, and great grandpa were all state championship winning track & field coaches. I started as a head coach in 2014 at Ames.

What is your favorite thing about coaching?

I really enjoy seeing the day-to-day improvement in each athlete. Track & field is such a rewarding sport because it is so easy to see your progress. Success is measured by a clock or by a tape measure, so to see the growth and improvement is truly my favorite thing.

Who does your family consist of?

Wife: Ashton. Son: Jamison 9 months.

Favorite food & restaurant?

Favorite food is definitely Italian. My mom’s side of the family is 100% Italian and I have grown up eating Italian all the time. My favorite restaurant is Malo downtown Des Moines.

Hobbies outside of coaching?

Cooking and playing tennis and golf with my wife.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

Nick Saban, Head Football Coach at Alabama.

What is your favorite thing about the Waukee Community School District?

I would say the commitment to be great in academics and athletics. Student athletes have all the resources they need at their disposal to be successful and that is a credit to the leadership of the district.