Nick Jones was named head coach for the cross country and track & field programs at The College of Saint Rose on July 12, 2022.
Jones is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete who brings more than 10 years of collegiate coaching experience along with local and regional recruiting ties to the Golden Knights programs.
Jones, who spent the last six months in a similar role at Russell Sage College, served as the Head Track & Field Coach and Assistant Cross Country Coach at Plattsburgh State from 2011-21. He also spent a year as the Assistant Track & Field Coach within the Shenendehowa Central School District, and was a Volunteer Assistant Coach at the University at Albany following a four-year career as a pole vaulter and multi-event specialists for the Great Danes.
“Nick is an extraordinarily talented head coach with more than 10 years of experience leading two college programs to remarkable success. Nick relates extremely well to his athletes both on the track and in life. He will be a tremendous mentor for our Golden Knights as a former Division I student-athlete himself. His exceptional reputation and connections both locally and regionally will bring immediate results and unprecedented success for the Saint Rose track and field, and cross country programs. We are very fortunate Nick is now a Golden Knight,” said Lori Anctil, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, at the time of his appointment.
Russell Sage set 27 school records, had the first male Empire 8 Conference Champion in school history, and produced both the conference indoor and outdoor Rookie of the Year on Jones’ watch in 2021-22.
That followed similar success at Plattsburgh State. The Cardinals established 42 school records and generated 51 conference champions, 32 NCAA qualifiers, and seven All-Americans throughout Jones’ tenure.
Jones previously coached the 2010 Girls Pentathlon Bronze Medalist at the 2010 Nike Indoor Nationals and directed numerous Suburban Council and Sectional champions during his time at Shenendehowa.
At UAlbany, he helped coach the 2008-09 America East indoor pole vault champion and runner-up, along with the outdoor decathlon winner and pole vault runner-up. Jones furthermore helped recruit two-time pole vault All-American Luke Schoen and guided Celine Cauderlier to a women’s pole vault outdoor school record.
Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from UAlbany in 2009. He holds a United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Sprint, Hurdle, and Relay Event Specialist Certification. He also owns a USTFCCCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification Advanced Endorsement and an USTFCCCA Sport Psychology for the Track & Field Coach Certification.
What they’re saying about Head Coach Nick Jones:
“This is a great hire for Saint Rose. Nick Jones is a tremendous coach with outstanding technical expertise in all event areas. His passion for developing quality student-athletes is highly regarded across the Northeast and I have no doubt he will do a fabulous job.”
Mike Howard: Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, Plattsburgh State
“I don’t know any better coach than Nick Jones. He is committed, hardworking, and very dedicated. He knows the science of coaching but more importantly, he cares about young people and motivates them to be the very best that they can be. I am glad to see him join the Saint Rose Athletic Department and to know that the program is in great hands.”
Roberto Vives: Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, University at Albany
“Nick is a true track and field coach and can coach any event that is asked of him, which is very unique. He has worked tirelessly throughout his career to expand his knowledge and ability. It has paid off with results and the creation of great relationships. Current student athletes and alums will enjoy his presence and how the program will develop over the years to come. Nick will bring infectious energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Saint Rose program and surrounding community.”
John Lynch: Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track & Field Coach, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
