Track and cross country coach retires after successful 23-year career

June 23, 2008 —

After spending the last 23 seasons with the Cardinals men's and women's track and cross country teams, Coach Jim Nesbitt has decided it is time to move on.

"I'm going to take some time for myself and my family," Nesbitt said.

Some of Nesbitt's fondest memories include the three national champions that he coached throughout his career. He was also very proud of the way his men's cross country team finished the 2005 season, a school best - fifth place finish at nationals followed in 2006 by a 12th place showing.

"Obviously some of my better memories will be about all of the success that I've had here," Nesbitt said. "Winning is great, but the part that I'll always remember is the kids, and all of the friendships that I have developed through out my time here. It's definitely hard to say good-bye to all my kids."

Nesbitt was quick to give credit to all of his athletes for helping him have such a successful career, though he believes there was also another big factor.

"Continuity," Nesbitt said, when asked what has made him so successful during his tenure as head coach. "If you change your coach as much as you change your underwear, it's hard to develop the relationships with your athletes that are necessary to go out and compete.

While Nesbitt has enjoyed all of his time as being the men's and women's cross country coach, as well as the men's and women's track coach, it is not hard to see why Nesbitt wants some time off.

"It's just a lot of work that I have to do, recruiting for not only both of the men's teams, but the women's teams as well. You also have to remember that I coach the indoor teams as well as the outdoor teams."

While Nesbitt is undoubtedly going to take some time off, he wouldn't rule out a return to coaching or as a teacher in the math department.

"You know I told them that first semester is a definite no, but maybe if I'm feeling up to the challenge, second semester I might be back teaching math."

Athletic Director Mike Watson says the search for a new head coach isn't anything that he is going to rush into, as he is looking for someone with a few years of coaching experience to take over Nesbitt's position.

Anthony Fontana is the Vanguard's sports editor and a professional and technical writing junior. Reach him at arfontan@svsu.edu.