Get to Know: Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach Jonathan Kigel

ATHENS, W.Va. – With so many new faces around the Carter Center for the 2025-26 school year, the Concord Sports Information Department will be highlighting all full-time employees in a Get to Know series throughout the first few weeks of the new athletic year.

Whether those friendly faces have been in Athens for five days or five decades, you'll know more about everyone in the Concord Athletic Department.

Name: Jonathan Kigel
Position: Head Coach of Track and Field/ Cross Country
College Alma Mater:  University of Florida (Bachelor's), University of Central Florida (Master's)
Year(s) at Concord:  First Year

How did you land at Concord?
I was an assistant coach at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida for 2.5 years.  Concord offered me my first head coaching job.
 
 Tell us a little bit about where you're from?
I'm from West Palm Beach, Florida.  We have beaches everywhere and no mountains.  It's warm year round so we can typically go to the beach all year.  I lived in a county that had over one million residents.
 
 What's been your most rewarding experience as an athlete or coach?
My most rewarding experience as a coach was watching my previous athlete, Luke Sweatman, break Lynn University's 1500m school record by seven seconds at a rival school's meet.  That was the third fastest time run in conference history.  He worked extremely hard for an entire year to accomplish that goal and it was great to watch him move on to accomplish big things outside of school after he graduated.
 
Outside of family, who's had the biggest positive influence on your life?
A friend and mentor of mine, Scott Christensen, taught me the science of distance running.  He took a chance on me accepting me into various coaching courses through USA Track and Field as I was almost always the youngest and most inexperienced coach in those courses.  I would not be in this position today if it wasn't for Scott.
 
What makes Concord such a special place?
Concord feels like a family.   As soon as I arrived on campus, I was treated with kindness and generosity.  I am very grateful to work here.
 
Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere tropical.  I like being around the ocean.
 
Go-to junk food?
Potato Chips.
 
What advice would you give today's college student that you found the most valuable?
Follow your dreams.  When you consistently work hard over a long period of time, people notice.  Eventually you will have a big breakthrough.  Never allow negativity from others to stop you from achieving your goals.  Many people in this world do not want to see you succeed.  When you find people that want the best for you and give you positive feedback, keep them around.
 
What's one bucket list item that you have crossed off and are most proud of?
I sold everything I owned and briefly moved to Australia with one backpack.  I went shark cage diving, dove the great barrier reef, and met people from all over the world.  It was an amazing experience.