John Jones joined Ouachita Baptist University Track and Field and Cross Country in the summer of 2020. During his tenure at Ouachita, Jones has been instrumental in coaching distance runners leading to two Great American Conference championships in women's cross country.
Jones joined the Tigers from Central Arkansas, where he was the women's cross country/endurance track events coach for 15 years. He was instrumental during UCA’s addition of the women's track and men's track and cross country programs. He was also part of the university's reclassification process from NCAA D2 to D1 in 2006. In addition to coaching women's cross country, Jones was also responsible for recruiting, travel/meet logistics and NCAA compliance. His certifications include the USATF’s Cross Country Specialist, Level 1 and Level 2 Endurance Events.
A native of Springfield. Arkansas, Jones was a three-year letterman for the UCA cross country and track teams. In 1992 he was named the NAIA District 17 Outstanding Senior Scholar-Athlete for track and field. John and his wife Crystal have three children, Jimmy, Rebecca and Jordan.
A look at UCA Track and Field and Cross Country's accomplishments under Jones:
- 38 School Record Holders
- 1 x NCAA DI National Cross Country Qualifier
- 2 x Outdoor NCAA Regional Qualifiers (3000mSC)
- 2 x NCAA Regional Cross Country top 10 team finishes
- 2 x All-Region Cross Country Performers
- 1 x Academic All-American Cross Country
- 19 x All-Conference Track performers (10000m, 5000m, 3000mSC, 1500m, 800m, Distance Medley Relay)
- 10 x Cross Country All-Conference Performers
- 5 x Outdoor Conference Champions (10000m, 5000m, 3000mSC)
- 8 x All-Academic Southland Conference Track and Field Athletes
- 1 x Conference Cross Country Champion
- 1 x Indoor Conference Champions (5000 meters)
Coaching Experience
Assistant Track and Field and Cross Country Coach, Ouachita: 2020-Present
Women's Cross Country/Endurance Track Events Coach, Central Arkansas: 2003-2019
