Dr. Jack M. Toms, one of the most decorated athletics coaches in the state of Virginia, completed his 30th year with the Hornets. He has become the most successful coach in the history of LC athletics, with 61 conference and 25 NCAA Regional Coach of the Year awards, and has transformed the LC runners into a nationally-competitive program. He was recognized in 1995 as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s top track and field coach with the Walt Cormack Award for success at the college level. Dr. Toms was inducted into the Lynchburg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.
Having coached the track and field teams for 30 years, Toms has yet to see a year in which he did not qualify an individual or team for the NCAA national meet. He has produced 79 All-Americans and 11 National Champions. His men’s track & field teams swept the conference indoor and outdoor competitions in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 - with both squads winning by large margins. Track teams under Toms tutelage have won 32 of the last 34 league titles. He has produced the 2001 NCAA Male Athlete of the Year in James Goss, and the NCAA MVP, Kevin Smith, in 2001. He has coached eight NCAA South/Southeast Regional Athletes of the Year and has served in many capacities in the United States Track and Field Coaches Association.
Also the Athletic Director for Lynchburg College, he directed LC to the ODAC Commissioner’s Cup twice, given to the best overall athletic program in the conference. Under his leadership, the LC athletic department has achieved unparalleled success, as it is one of the top athletic programs on the ODAC. He has served as vice president and as President of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and holds level I, II and III certification in leadership from the National Association of College Directors of Athletics.
A 1969 graduate of Lynchburg College and a Hall of Famer, Toms ran the second fastest 220-yard dash in school history, and was team MVP twice in his collegiate days. He has acheived the rank of professor in the school of health science and human performance. Toms earned his masters degree from the University of Virginia and his doctorate from West Virginia University. He and his wife, Theresa, have two sons, Nathan and David.
Cross Country Career Highlights:
Men’s Cross Country:
• 77 All-Conference Runners
• 44 All-Region Runners
• 12 Team Conference Champions
• Three NCAA All-Americans
NCAA
• Four Men’s NCAA South/Southeast Regional Team Championships
• Six Teams in Nationals
• 75 individuals
Women’s Cross Country:
• 38 All-Conference
• Nine All-Region Runners
• Five individual conference championships
For more information about Lynchburg College Cross Country, please contact head coach Dr. Jack M. Toms at (434) 544-8498 or by email at toms@lynchburg.edu.
