Jim Robinson is nation's 'coach of year'

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

LCC Cross Country Head Coach Jim Robinson has been awarded his third consecutive National Coach of the Year award.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association presents the award to a deserving coach every year. Robinson won the award in both 2021 and 2022 for his work with the back-to-back NJCAA national champion LCC women’s team.

This year he earned the title as men’s national coach after leading the LCC men to a NJCAA national title.

Robinson said the award means a lot, but he gave the credit to the runners on his team.

“It’s the first time I’ve been men’s coach of the year,” Robinson said. “It really goes to the guys, all the work they’ve put in and how well they ran at nationals.”

The coaches association hold an awards ceremony every year to recognize the coaches. Last year it was held in Denver and Robinson was in attendance.

The runners said they enjoy having Robinson as a coach. Freshman runner Jadyn Yonchewski said Robinson was always very encouraging.

“He was caring about your actual running and gave you a good workout routine to fit your goals,” Yonchewski said.

Not only does Robinson help runners become better athletes, but he helps academically as well.

LCC Athletic Director Greg Lattig said Robinson does a phenomenal job through the whole process.

“Recruiting, developing student-athletes and caring about student-athletes,” Lattig said. “We hear positive feedback and this award shows this on a national scale.”

Lattig added: “Winning a national championship can go hand and hand, but there’s so much more to the fact, and he does more.”

Yonchewski said as a coach, Robinson helped her find her niche in running.

“Well, since I never ran distance before this season, he taught me how to start running distance and different ways to tackle 5K’s,” Yonchewski said. “I really don’t think I could have finished the season and got to where I am without Coach Robinson.”

Sophomore runner Liam Elder said Robinson set the standard on how the culture of the team should be.

“This team had never been closer, and I know that next year’s sophomores will uphold that standard,” Elder said.