Press Release
11/30 - Ex-Bruin Larson Named New Assistant Coach for Cross Country and Track
NEWBERG, Ore. - Former George Fox University athlete Jeff Larson is returning to his alma mater as the Bruins' new assistant cross country and track and field coach for both men and women, effective immediately, as announced by head coach John Smith.
Larson, who was born in Detroit, Mich., and grew up in LaGrande, Ore., is a 1992 graduate of George Fox with a bachelor of science degree in social studies teaching. He competed on the cross country team for the Bruins, with his best 8,000 meter time of 25:43.2 in 1991 now ranking 19th on the all-time GFU list. He was a member of the 1990 team that won the NAIA District 2 meet with a record 21 points and placed fifth in the NAIA National Meet for the Bruins' highest finish ever. The 1990 team was inducted into the George Fox Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2006.
Since graduating from college, Larson has spent his time teaching social studies in several high schools throughout the state while working with each school's cross country and track programs. He is currently teaching United State history and American government at Willamina (Ore.) High School, 35 miles west of Newberg.
Larson replaces Mike Hickey, who was associate head cross country coach for two seasons but resigned to pursue other opportunities closer to home in the Vancouver, Wash., area.
"I am excited to have Jeff on staff and think he has the tools to build the GFU distance program back to its competitive roots of the teams guided by Wes Cook," says Smith, evoking the name of the coach who led the Bruins to national prominence during a 19-year stint at George Fox. "His understanding of the sport and his approachability will be great assets to our teams. He is one of those coaches for whom athletes will want to compete well, because he truly cares about them, not just as athletes, but as people. He is an all-around great guy whose life reflects what he believes."
Larson, who enjoys mountain biking in his spare time, lives in Lafayette, Ore., with his wife Louise and sons Seth (10) and Skyler (7) and daughter Shelby (4). The Larsons attend Northside Community Church.