Trending
Jamestown Community College has announced Darion Gregory as the new head coach of Jayhawk men's and women's cross country teams.
"We're thrilled with the athletic and academic prowess that Darion is going to bring to not just JCC cross country, but our athletic department as a whole," said athletic director George Sisson. "He's a man that has excelled on a major stage in cross country as a former runner for St. Bonaventure."
"Cross country has always been a big part of my life," Gregory said. "I'm excited to continue that as a coach, especially on the collegiate side of the sport. I will bring some knowledge of training and workouts to the team that I'm excited for. I'm excited to get going."
The Smethport, Pennsylvania native is familiar with Jamestown CC, growing up roughly an hour from Jamestown. He stayed close to home, going to St. Bonaventure, where he was an Atlantic 10 All-Academic member five times and broke five program records for the Bonnies.
"It was an easy decision to hire (Gregory) once I saw what he achieved on the race course and in the classroom," said Sisson. "We expect him to hit the ground running."
Running is something that Gregory has been doing all his life. He was a team manager for Smethport High School's cross country team dating back to his sixth-grade year. While at Smethport, he was a four-time state qualifier before becoming an accomplished Division I runner.
Gregory knows it takes dedication to achieve at a high level, but he also understands the pressures of being a college athlete, so finding a balance is important to him.
"We'll have a good time. It'll be fun," Gregory added. "Competing collegiately is a good chance to meet like-minded individuals. We'll train hard and have a good time. We want to compete at a high level against the region and country. It's a great experience."
The Jayhawks cross country season starts with a meet in Edinboro, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Sept. 7. That quick turnaround has Gregory chomping at the bit to get started.
"I'm excited to meet the team and start training and practice," Gregory said. "Get them prepared for the coming season. I want to build in numbers and times. I'd like to eventually see a full team start scoring and winning larger invitationals."
Gregory is also known back at St. Bonaventure and in his hometown for his contributions away from the athletic fields. He organized events benefiting St. Bonaventure veterans, Earth Day trash pickup, and volunteered at the Warming House and the Olean Children's Clothing Drive.
For more information on joining the program, contact Gregory at DarionGregory@mail.sunyjcc.edu.