Kelly Fogarty became the first UCSD sprinter to earn All-America accolades at the Division II level after attaining the honor in both the 100 and 200 in Charlotte, N.C. and again in the 2011 NCAA's in Stanislaus Calif. Kelly holds school records in both events 100m (11.52), 200m (23.55). Jacqueline "Boo" Rose became the second individual All-American in 2012 in Pueblo, Colo. in the 400m and holds the school record in the 400m (53.30).

In recent years the UCSD sprints squad has established new school records in nearly every event, including both men's relays in 2006, as well as the 4x100 (45.81) and 4x400 (3:42.97) relays on the women's side in 2012. In the past four years, UCSD relay teams have earned All-America status on six occasions.

In total, Gieskes has coached 12 individual NCAA national qualifiers, nine of which were at the D-II level, and two while UCSD was a member of Division III. In addition, nine relay teams have qualified for Nationals under his watch.

Gieskes' many coaching honors include his selection as the 1999 Division III West Region Coach of the Year in cross country. In 1997, he coached the Triton women's squad to victory at the CCAA Championships (the first UCSD team in any sport to win a CCAA title). Along with his team accomplishments, Gieskes has coached three individual qualifiers for the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships and two Tritons achieved All-America status, including the 1999 individual runner-up.

The son of a UCSD Professor Emeritus, Gieskes graduated locally from Torrey Pines High School and nearby UC Riverside, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Literature.