The Blinn College District is excited to announce the return of men’s and women’s cross country in conjunction with the hiring of new head coach Jesse Parker.
The Buccaneers will compete in cross country events starting this fall, marking the first time Blinn has fielded a team in the sport since 1995.
“We are extremely excited and proud to reintroduce men’s and women’s cross country to Blinn College,” athletic director Scott Schumacher said. “We are equally ecstatic about the addition of Jesse Parker, a terrific and well-respected coach with more than 20 years of experience coaching at the NCAA Division I level.”
Blinn was a cross country powerhouse during its run in the 1990s, which included NJCAA national championships in 1993 and 1994.
Parker arrives at Blinn following 20 seasons as head cross country coach and an assistant track and field coach at Division I Sam Houston State University.
The new coach is currently building the team’s first schedule, which will include five meets. He also is working to fill 12 spots on both the men’s and women’s rosters.
(Pictured: Jesse Parker)
Parker said his aim is to recruit quickly while developing a program that serves as a place for runners to learn, develop, and advance.
“I’m excited to bring collegiate cross country to this area,” Parker said. “I know there is a wealth of talent in this area that has either been overlooked or left without a sensible collegiate opportunity. My goal is to create a culture where student-athletes will know what is expected of them in the classroom and on the course, as well as one that allows them to earn their education while striving toward athletic opportunities at the next level.”
During Parker’s time with Sam Houston State, he helped lead the Bearkats track and field squad to 21 conference team championships. In 2017, he coached Jeffrey Moore to Sam Houston State’s first All-American honor by any endurance runner with a 10th-place finish and school-record mark of 1:47.40 for the 800 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Additionally, 2016-2017 saw two of the three Southland Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year honors go to Parker’s athletes.
Parker’s influence on NCAA Track & Field extends beyond Sam Houston State. In 2016-2017, Parker worked alongside Dan Waters, Brett Halter, Ricard Santos, Jeff Bovee, and Amy Horst as part of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s recruiting calendar working group.
During his time at Sam Houston State, Parker served in various roles, most prominently as the recruiting coordinator, home cross country meet director, and team travel coordinator.
Parker graduated from Sam Houston State with a degree in kinesiology in 2005 and earned a master’s degree in kinesiology in 2007.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 47 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
