By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Jacob Graham has been hired by Willamette University as an assistant coach for men's and women's track and field and men's and women's cross country. Graham joins the Bearcats after serving as an assistant track and field and cross country coach at George Fox University for three years. During the track and field season, Graham will coach the Bearcats in relays, hurdles, jumps, and multi-events, and will assist with sprints.

"I'm thrilled to be able to join the Willamette program," Graham said. "They have such a strong history of success in both track and field and cross country. Their focus on team chemistry and academic success aligns with my values as a coach and made the position very attractive to me. I can't wait to meet the team and get to work."

Graham coached at George Fox in Newberg, Oregon, from 2018-19 through 2020-21. While at GFU, he assisted with coaching sprints, relays, hurdles, and jumps. He also was the director of track and field and cross country at C.S. Lewis Academy in Newberg from June of 2017 through June of 2021.

In college, Graham participated in track and field and basketball at George Fox. During track and field season, he competed in the 400-meter hurdles and the triple jump. He earned an Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Teaching from GFU in 2017. He is working toward a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Western Governors University with anticipated graduation in June of 2022.

"I'm very excited to have this opportunity," Graham commented. "My 11 years competing and coaching at George Fox gave me the chance to learn from coaches that are some of the best in their field. They have become some of my closest friends and mentors. I feel very well prepared for the challenges that I'm sure will come with my new position."

As an assistant coach at GFU, he helped the Bruins wins one NCAA National Championship and three top three national finishes. He also contributed to GFU claiming three Northwest Conference titles each in men's track and field and women's track and field. He helped develop two individual national champions, 19 All-America selections, and 26 NWC champions.

While at C.S. Lewis Academy, he coached two individuals to State Runner-up finishes and guided four All-State athletes. His efforts led to seven individual District Champions and 32 school records. He coached the boys' track and field team and girls' track and field team to their best finishes in school history.

Graham is a veteran of the Oregon Air National Guard, where he served from 2011 through 2017. He deployed for six months to Southwest Asia in 2015.