Friesen comes to Penn from recently-closed Dana College where he served the same position since 2002. In his tenure, he managed all aspects of the program that consisted of over 70 athletes. He also oversaw the operation of the cross country teams.

Serving as the Associate Head Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Dana as well, Friesen was honored as the 2005 American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," Friesen said. "William Penn has a good tradition in track and I am looking forward to the challenge of keeping it as one of the best teams in the conference."

"We are thrilled to have Coach Friesen join our staff," Hafner said. "Although it is truly unfortunate about the closing of Dana College, the situation has provided a great opportunity for both Coach Friesen and William Penn. He has proven himself as a dedicated coach and recruiter and we look forward to him bringing those assets to our University."

Friesen has a plethora of additional collegiate coaching experience over the last two decades at several institutions such as Dakota State University (assistant football, football recruiting coordinator, head and assistant softball, assistant baseball), Fort Hays State University (assistant football, assistant recruiting coordinator), Mesa State College (assistant football, equipment manager), Red Rocks Community College (assistant football, defensive coordinator), and Denver University (head football).

He has also coached prep football at Alameda High School.

A 1995 graduate of Mesa State with a degree in human performance and wellness, Friesen also earned his Master's of Science from Fort Hays State in 1999.