Priddy named inaugural Cross Country Head Coach

JACKSON, TENN. – Jackson State Community College (JSCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Arthur Priddy as the inaugural Head Coach for the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Half-Marathon programs. Priddy, a locally known state champion coach, brings over a decade of coaching experience to the role, with experience at the high school level and extensive experience coaching adults in various running disciplines, ranging from 5K to Ultra-Marathon competitions.

Priddy is a Jackson, TN native, having built a legacy as a coach at the University School of Jackson (USJ), where he served as Head Coach for both Boys' and Girls' Cross Country and Track & Field since 2013. Under his leadership, USJ's cross-country and track teams earned a Division II-A Individual State Champion in Cross Country, two Division II-A Individual State Champions in Track & Field, and four Division II-A Relay State Champions in Track & Field. Additionally, he has mentored over 40 All-State student-athletes.

"I am not only honored to serve as Jackson State's cross country head coach, but I'm equally excited to get started developing a championship winning program," said Priddy. "Having spent my career in this community, it's incredibly special to now have the opportunity to lead a college program and build a culture of excellence. Student-athlete development is at the forefront of my priorities as a coach, helping them to develop into successful athletes and academics, but also people too."

During his time at USJ, Priddy demonstrated a commitment to fostering well-rounded athletes, both athletically and academically, with a strong focus on leadership and communication. His comprehensive knowledge of training principles, along with his ability to connect with athletes of all backgrounds, has made him a highly respected coach in the local community.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Priddy serves as the President of the Jackson Road Runners, a local chapter of the Road Runners Club of America that puts on many running events throughout the area each year to promote the sport. In this capacity, he has also advocated at the legislative level to reinforce area-wide planning efforts such as sidewalk expansions and community bike programs that promote healthy and active lifestyles.

Priddy has been the President and Owner of Priddy Insurance Group, LLC since 2022, where he leads a team of sales agents and works directly with clients to develop tailored insurance solutions. His business experience further complements his coaching career, providing him with the leadership skills necessary to guide student-athletes in achieving their goals both on and off the track.

"We are thrilled to have Coach Priddy lead our cross-country program," said Dr. Kevin Lynum, Athletic Director. "His track record of success at the high school level, his deep ties to the Jackson community, and extensive passion for coaching make him the perfect fit to build and lead our cross-country teams. We look forward to seeing him inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights."

Priddy's leadership will be instrumental in the development and growth of Jackson State's Cross Country and Half-Marathon programs, and he is eager to work with student-athletes to create a competitive and supportive environment.

Coach Priddy will be available for comments on November 21^st during a press conference. Additional details will be released closer to that date.