Derek Frese has been leading the Nebraska Wesleyan throws program since the year 2007.
In his illustrious career, Frese has been named the Central Region Field Assistant Coach of the Year five times, most recently in 2018. Under his guidance the throws program has gained national prominence. His throwers have produced 41 All-American awards including an NCAA National Champion when Avery Decker won the javelin in 2025 and four national runner up performances in the shot put with Dayton Dolincheck in 2018, Samantha Dolezal in 2015 and 2016, and Avery Decker in 2024 in the javelin.
2026 proved to be another historic year for the throwers, he added four more All-American honors to his resume. Emmilly Berglund gained her third career All-American in the shot put where she finished 4th at the indoor national meet. Sam Clements continued his dominance in his young career as he earned two first team NCAA All-American honors indoors and outdoors in the shot put. Colin Wojtkiewicz ended his career at the national meet earning his first career first team All-American honor in the hammer throw.
His throwers success also made noise in 2026 on the all-time NWU charts and on the conference level. The throwers claimed six All-Conference performances including three conference titles, Sam Clements in the shot put (indoors/outdoors) and Colin Wojtkiewicz in the hammer. Both genders combined, the throwers produced 19 NWU all-time top 10 performances including three school records. Wojtkiewicz in the hammer (60.72m) and Clements in the shot put (18.48m).
He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports administration from University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2005. While at UNK he was a four-year member of the track team. Frese was a four-time NCAA II All-American in the throws and earned All-RMAC recognition in seven of the eight seasons he competed. He was also a team captain during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Frese came to NWU from Northwest Missouri State University where he served as a graduate assistant track and field coach for two seasons. He earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Northwest Missouri in 2007.
A Bancroft, Neb., native, Derek lives with his wife Karla and three children in Lincoln. He also serves as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Nebraska Wesleyan.
