Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field Coach will recruit competitive NJCAA D1 student athletes on local, regional, state and international levels. The Coach will manage and supervise all aspects of student athletes and their development academically, athletically and socially. The new Cross Country/Track and Field Coach will be responsible for building a competitive, NJCAA Division One Track and Field Program. The college plans to scaffold the development of the program, beginning with cross country and distance events in the Fall of 2024 and ending with a 40 student athlete track and field program by the Fall of 2027. 

Odessa College furloughed the co-ed cross country team for academic years 2020-2023 due to separation of the head coach coupled with the pandemic and track renovation. As the college nears completion of the James Segrest Stadium, the college looks forward to re-building a competitive, winning NJCAA Division 1 co-ed cross country and track and field teams.  These teams will practice and compete at a state-of-the art facility that meets NJCAA, NCAA and UIL competition standards.  The stadium is expected to open in January of 2024 and the college is recruiting a talented, experienced coach who will assist the college in building competitive cross country and track and field programs.

Serve as the head coach for the college’s emerging track and field programs. 

Recruit quality student athletes (academically and athletically) while meeting the standards set to ensure college and NJCAA compliance and success.

Ensure student athletes compete at a high-level culminating in conference, region and national championships.

Maintain established individual and team GPA goals transferring as NJCAA qualifiers or completers. Monitor pace and progress through documented and scheduled study halls, assigned tutors, faculty conversations, and review of weekly and semester grades.

Set expectations and develop strategies to increase athletic programs’ fund raising, engagement and visibility in the community leading to increased support.

Ensure new and transfer students are eligible for competition in the NJCAA.

Ensure timely advising and registration of all student athletes registered before first class day of term which impacts eligibility.

Ensure athletic teams will maintain an average GPA of 3.0 or above. 

Ensure 100% of student athletes who participate for 2 years, graduate with an associate’s degree.

Recruit and maintain adequate team size to manage for injury and attrition and stay within allocated scholarships budgeted for the athletic program. 

Prepare and manage annual operating and scholarship budget.

Maintain the integrity of the facility and equipment in cooperation with physical plant and athletic personnel.

Responsible for all aspects of competition travel, including scheduling, related to both men’s and women’s programs.

Supports college activities and special events through attendance and/or participation.

Use interpersonal skills and make sound judgments. 

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation and/or Chair of the Physical Education Department.

Bachelor’s Degree

Established record of successful experience in cross country and track and field programs.

Demonstrated success in recruiting student-athletes capable of succeeding academically and athletically.

Proven ability to establish positive and effective working relationships with students, administration and community.

Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Master’s Degree

Demonstrated success in college level cross country and track and field programs.

Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the ability to qualify and maintain current CDL.