The Iowa Central rugby program has added a new assistant coach, bringing in Joe Lippert to the staff.

Lippert replaces Jake Mizel, who was hired as the new head coach at Arkansas State earlier this year.

"The opportunity to be closer to my family in Wisconsin, while helping develop some of the most talented young rugby players in the country was too enticing to pass up," Lippert said. "Coach (Brent) Nelson has something special going in Fort Dodge and I want to be a part of that.

"I intend to help the newest and next crop of Tritons graduate and go on to big things, both in rugby and life. I want to help the most talented and motivated student-athletes become MLR pros and USA Eagles."

A former player himself, Lippert joined the coaching ranks in 2011 when he took over the Wisconsin Rugby Club. He has made stops with the Stars Rugby, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Bremer County Bucks, Lindenwood-Belleville University, and most recently served as the head coach at McKendree University.

"I am very excited about adding someone with the resume and passion for rugby like Joe," Nelson said. "His addition to the Triton rugby program will help us take things to the next level. Joe is very excited about joining the Fort Dodge community and Iowa Central, and I can't wait to get rolling with him and the team."

With Lindenwood-Belleville, Lippert led the team to a D1AA 7s national title. He also helped Bremer County reach the Final Four in 2016 and the championship match in 2017 at the Men's Senior Club DIII Tournament.

"I bring head coaching experience in an assistant coach role," Lippert said. "Passion for personal and rugby growth, and development of players. Position-specific upgrading to individual players' rugby skills and ability to read the game."

A graduate of Lindenwood and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Lippert was a player, coach and club president of the Eau Claire Rugby Football Club from 2003-08. He also served as a player and coach for the Wisconsin Collegiate Selects from 2007-11, is currently a player for the Southerners Rugby and was the head coach for the Iowa Rugby Union from 2016-2018.