HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College has named Tom Scott as its head track & field/cross country coach, Dr. Lynn Griffin, vice president of athletics and athletic facilities, announced today. Scott becomes the second coach in program history.
We are excited to have Tom take over our cross country and track & field programs," stated Griffin. "He brings experience to the position and a proven track record of recruiting talented, successful student-athletes. Tom will continue to build upon the success that our program has developed over the past few years."
Scott comes to Coker after spending the last two years as the head men's and women's cross country coach and assistant men's and women's track & field coach at Ashland University. During his time at Ashland, Scott coached seven national qualifiers, six All-Americans, 11 Academic All-Americans, and the 2017 GLIAC Men's Outdoor Track & Field Champions. Most recently, Scott led the Eagles men's indoor track & field team to a runner-up finish and the men's outdoor track & field team to a third place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championships.
"I want to thank Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Griffin for giving me the chance to take the helm of the Coker track & field/cross country program," Scott said. "The program has had a lot of success in its short four years and I can't wait to help the kids continue to improve on their accomplishments. As a coach, my number one goal is to help kids achieve goals that they never thought were possible, both in the classroom and on the track. I'm excited to get to know the current athletes on the team and help guide them to accomplish their goals."
Before taking over his duties at Ashland University, Scott served as the cross country and track & field graduate assistant at Michigan Technological University. During his time with the Huskies, the men's cross country program improved from 12th to fifth in the GLIAC, while earning its best-ever finish (eighth) at the Midwest Region meet. He also coached Tech's first NCAA cross country qualifier in 16 years. Scott also coached the fourth track All-American in school history. In two seasons, 15 Tech distance records were broken.
Scott, a native of Lima, Ohio, had an impressive collegiate career competing for Ashland University. He was a three-time All-American (twice in the 800-meter run and once as part of the 4x400-meter relay), and earned 2011 Midwest Region Track Athlete of the Year honors. He also was a 2012 Academic All-American.
Some of Scott's personal best times include a 3:45.97 finish in the 1500m at the Hillsdale "Gina" Relays and a 1:47.93 finish in the 800m at the GVSU Big Meet. In addition, Scott was a 1000m finalist in the 2015 USA Track & Field Indoor Championships.
Scott graduated from Ashland with a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology. He made the Dean's List four times while at Ashland.
Scott assumes command of the Cobra track & field/cross country teams that produced six U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Region members and their first All-American last year in Darroneshia Lott (800m, 4th, 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships).