ATHENS, W.Va. -Â During the course of the fall semester, the Concord University Sports Information Department will be profiling each member of the Concord Athletics Staff in a Behind the Scenes series.Â
One of the newest members of the Concord coaching staff,
Jonathan Gore, is profiled on Friday. Gore is in his first year on Coach
Mike Cox's staff.
Name: Jonathan Gore
Position: Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach
College Alma Mater: Concord University (Bachelor's, 17)
What made you decide to get into coaching?
I come from a high school that didn't teach us anything about technique/form. If you're somewhat fast, you run sprints and if you're slower you run distance. Then I came to Concord, where Coach Cox and RJ Anderson taught form, and I started to finally come into my own as an athlete. I wanted to coach so I can teach athletes what I didn't know, so they can be successful.
How did you land at Concord?
I was in the process of trying to find a job when Coach Cox offered me the graduate assistant position
What's your most memorable moment as a coach either at Concord or another coaching stop?
I wasn't a "coach" but I prepared a couple local athletes for the WV Regional/State track meet and they placed top three in their respected events.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Athletes growing into their true potential
Tell us where you're from and little bit about the area you grew up in.
I was born and raised in Fayetteville West Virginia, a quiet small town an hour north of campus. Fayetteville is similar to Athens, but Fayetteville has more tourism industry and outdoor adventures. Both communities are very tight-knit. However, Athens is more secluded
Favorite vacation spot?
Either New York or Chicago
Best local restaurant to eat at?
Campestre or Yummi Japan in Princeton
What's the biggest attribute you look for in an athlete?
I look at two things when I look at an athlete. I want an athlete that is 1) willing to adapt, and 2) one who is versatile. I believe that goes hand in hand when it comes to great athletes
What makes Concord special or what's your favorite thing about campus?
The people make Concord special. My favorite thing about campus is game days when I can watch the athletes give everything they got, in their respective craft.
What advice would you go back and give yourself if you were 20-years old again?
"Don't set your goals short because you have all the skills to achieve them."
Favorite TV show unrelated to sports?
A Different World
What's one bucket list item you have yet to accomplish?
Become a Paralympian and sprint in the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo
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