Tom Geisler enters his first season as Head Coach of the Castleton Men's and Women's Cross-Country programs. A longtime educator and coach, Geisler brings more than 25 years of coaching experience spanning collegiate, high school, and youth athletics, including cross country, track and field, basketball, and nordic skiing.
Dr. Geisler has served as a Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences at Castleton since 2011 and previously served as Department Chair for eight years. His academic expertise complements a coaching philosophy rooted in science-based training, long-term athlete development, and the creation of a positive, team culture. He is passionate about helping student-athletes maximize their potential in competition, the classroom, and throughout their lives.
Prior to becoming Castleton's head coach, Geisler spent twelve seasons (2000–2005 and 2020–2025) coaching cross country and track & field at Rutland High School. In 2001, the boys' outdoor track & field team won the Vermont Division I State Championship, while the girls' 2001 and 2002 cross-country teams qualified for the New England Championships. In addition, he mentored numerous individuals to State, New England, and National Championship competitions.
Geisler also enjoyed a highly successful tenure as head coach of the Rutland High School girls' basketball program. Between 2004 and 2012, his teams captured seven Southern Vermont League championships, advanced to three Division I Final Fours, reached two state championship games, and captured the 2005 Vermont Division I State Championship. Additionally, he served as an assistant coach with the Castleton men’s basketball program in 2012-13.
Geisler holds USATF Level 1, Level 2 Sport Science, and Level 2 Endurance certifications and is a USTFCCCA Endurance Event Specialist. He is also a certified Vermont Track and Field Officials Association (VTFOA) official.
