Northern Illinois Lightning Coaches/Volunteers
Northern Illinois Lightning Coaches/Volunteers
Head Coach | Lead Hurdle Coach | Assistant Sprint
Owen is the founder and Head Coach of Northern Illinois Lightning Athletics. He has coached for 2 years at Harlem High School as the Assistant Cross Country and Track coach. While at Harlem, he was the Sprints, Hurdles, and High Jump coach.
Owen competed at Harlem High School and is number 9 all-time in the 300 hurdles and 12th all-time in the 110. Owen still competes at open college meets and summer meets as well. He is currently working on getting his bachleors in Philosophy.
Lead Sprints | Relays
Michael Bushman graduated from Harlem High School in 2000, where he still holds the school records in the 100m and 200m with times of 10.7 and 22.1 respectively. In 2020, he returned to Harlem to coach the boys' sprints, a role he held until 2022. In his brief time with the program, Michael made a lasting impact on his athletes and had a unique ability to make track and field a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
When he's not on the golf course you can find him on the sidelines cheering on his oldest daughter Eva at her track meets or his youngest daughter Ella at her soccer games.
Volunteer Sprints Coach
Brady Jacobson graduated from Harlem High School in 2025 where he did track all 4 years where he ran a 11.40 in the 100m and a 23.57 in the 200m. He also did Hockey for most his life and still is an avid part of the Rockford community in youth hockey along with helping us out.
Brady is currently enrolled at University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point where he is running and pursing a bachelors in Physical Education.
Lead Throws
Riley Lundgren graduated from Harlem High School in 2022, leaving his mark as the holder of the 2nd all-time discus throw in school history. During his senior year, he earned a state berth in both shot put and discus. A testament to his dedication and talent as a thrower.
Riley went on to compete at St. Xavier University, where he continued to excel and earned a trip to nationals in both shot put and discus. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.
When he's not in the classroom or coaching, you can find Riley in the gym or on the court playing pickup basketball with friends.
Lead Distance
Carter Moski is a substitute teacher with the School District of Janesville and Clinton Community School District. A lifelong runner, Carter has been competing for 9 years. Spanning middle school, high school with the Harlem Huskies, and college at Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he earned his degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Social Studies.
When he's not in the classroom, Carter can still be found lacing up his shoes, training and competing in marathons.
Assistant Distance Coach
Nick Greenland graduated from Harlem High School in 2020, where he competed in cross country and track. Following graduation, he gave back to the program by coaching Harlem's cross country team from 2021 to 2024.
While coaching, Nick pursued his Associate's degree at Rock Valley College. After completing his degree, he transferred to Rockford University, where he returned to competing as an athlete on the cross country and track teams. He is currently working toward a degree in Physical Education.
When he's not running or hitting the books, Nick loves exploring the outdoors with Rock Cut State Park and Starved Rock being among his favorite spots to adventure.
Volunteer Distance Coach
Volunteer Distance Coach
Dylan Malmgren graduated from Harlem High School in 2024, where he earned a state qualifier berth in the 1600m. Following graduation, he committed to Beloit College, where he has already made his mark by setting school records in both the 5K and 10K.
Dylan is currently studying to become a Physical Education teacher.
When he's not breaking records, you can find Dylan cheering on the Lakers or exploring local restaurants in his area.
Volunteer Distance Coach
Northern Illinois Lightning Supercells Coaching Staff/Volunteers
Head Coach
Head coach Owen Hunt of the Supercells is passionate about giving back and teaching youth the fundamentals of running, jumping, and throwing. Owen has a love for building community and connecting with people of all different backgrounds, traits, and personalities. Which is a big reason why track and field holds such a special place in his heart. Few sports bring together such a diverse group of people, and that's exactly what makes coaching it so rewarding for him.
Distance Coach
Volunteer Distance Coach
Tyler Buetsch is a junior at Harlem High School, where he competes on the cross country and track & field teams. After graduation, Tyler plans to pursue a degree in engineering at the collegiate level.
When he's not training or studying, you can find Tyler out fishing with friends or gaming.
Volunteer Sprint/Jumps Coach
Austin Wagaman is a junior at Harlem High School, where he competes on the track team specializing in the 400m and Triple Jump. He currently ranks at the top of his class with an impressive 4.5 GPA.
Austin has a natural ability to make people feel included and valued, which is what inspired him to volunteer and coach the youth of his community. When he's not on the track or hitting the books, Austin loves spending time with friends and exploring new places. Whether that's a local park or a city he's never visited before. As long as he has good company, he's in.