Track & Field
- Title:
- Assistant Coach - Men's Distance
- Email:
- bjackson@athletics.pitt.edu
- Phone:
- 412-648-7341
A Pittsburgh native, Bryan Jackson joined the Panthers’ coaching staff in 2015. During his tenure, the men’s distance and cross country programs have grown to new heights.
In June 2017, with direction from Jackson, Pitt freshman Nick Wolk was crowned national champion in the 5000m (14:26.54) at the USA Track and Field Junior National Championships. Wolk advanced to compete in the Pan-Am Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, in July 2017.
Jackson also guided Matt McGoey to a fourth-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2017 ACC Outdoor Championships in Atlanta. McGoey became the first Pitt men’s distance runner to earn All-ACC honors.
The Panthers’ men’s cross country team has improved each season under Jackson. In 2016, Pitt made its best finish of ninth at the ACC Championships in Cary, N.C., improving from 13th in 2015.
Prior to Pitt, Jackson coached at Texas State from 2011-15 where he experienced tremendous success, including three Western Athletic Conference Track and Field Championship titles in 2013. With the Bobcats, Jackson helped student-athletes break nine school records. He coached one NCAA National qualifier, eight NCAA Division I Preliminary qualifiers, 13 Sun Belt All-Conference performers, nine Western Athletic Conference All-Conference performers and four Southland All-Conference performers.
From 2009-11, Jackson served as the head coach at Wofford University where he saw athletes break 54 school records between men’s and women’s track and cross country combined. He coached the 2009 Southern Conference Cross County Male Freshman of the Year, and helped 15 student-athletes earn All-Freshman Team honors.
Before his stint at Wofford, Jackson coached at his alma mater, Bowling Green State University. He guided three of his cross country student-athletes to All-MAC honors.
In 2008, Jackson served as the meet director for the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship in addition to planning the 2006 NCAA Great Lakes Regional Cross Country Championship.
Jackson graduated from Bowling Green in 2006 with a degree in business administration. In 2008, he earned a Master of Education in developmental kinesiology from BGSU. His thesis research focused on female collegiate cross country runners and how different types of foot posture affect muscle firing patterns and ground reaction forces.
Jackson and his wife, Kara, have two sons, Bryan Jr. and Braden.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
In the library where John Woodruff’s gold medal is housed from the 1936 Olympics. It was the first gold medal the United States ever won in the 800m.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
Nick Wolk winning the USATF U20 Junior National Championship in the 5000m and being invited to compete for Team USA in the Pan American Junior Championships in Peru.
What do you love most about working in athletics?
Working with highly driven young men and women and being a part of the journey through their college and athletic career.
If you could have dinner with any three people who would it be?
Franz Stampfl, Bill Bowerman, John Wooden
Favorite quote?
“We are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence. I am not remotely interested in just being good.” –Vince Lombardi
