L. Jones

Coach

Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country

Coach Jones is in his fourth year as head coach of the cross country and track and field programs with the Knights. During his tenure the boys and girls squads have won a combined four OK Black Conference Championships in cross country and three OK Championships in track and field. In 2014, the ladies were the first Kenowa Hills female cross country team to qualify for the MHSAA State Championships - finishing 12th.

During this time, Jones has had dozens of athletes earn All-Conference, All-Conference Honorable Mention, and All-Region honors. Of those that moved on to earn All-State honors, highlights include two time State and National Champion Donavan Brazier, the 2016 2nd place 4x800 team of Madi Goen, Dylann Hodgkinson, Katie Westfall, and Emily Bajema, and the 3rd place state team of Doucette, Berg, Bajema, and Boos.  

Prior to working as a Knight, Jones coached the girls cross country team at Bolton High School in Tennessee. Success with the Wildcats included two Regional Championship titles and a top 10 performance at the TSSAA State Championships.

Jones earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University in 2008. He was awarded the Henry Award, given to one graduating senior each year, for his academic success, campus involvement, and community support. During this time he took to marathoning, finishing top 10 in 8 of the 9 races run. His personal best included the top American spot at 2007’s Detroit FreePress Marathon in 2 hours and 27 minutes.

He first began coaching in 2007 as Assistant Coach at Wayne State. With his own culmination on the WSU team in 06’, Jones was part of three top 8 team performances at the NCAA National Championships (6th - 2003, 15th - 2004, 7th - 2005, 8th - 2006). His personal cross country bests include 30:41 in the 10k and 24:51 for 8k.

Jones is a native of west Michigan, growing up in Saranac. He began running in 7th grade. He holds several All-State honors in cross country and track and field.