Jason Haynes Athletic Staff Spotlight
JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- The IC athletic department is participating in an Athletic Staff Spotlight series during the month of December. During this series, we will look to learn a little bit more about our athletic staff here at Illinois College. Our next spotlight is on our head men's and women's track and field and cross country coach Jason Haynes.
Where are you from? Hometown?
Monmouth, IL
What kind of background do you have in your position? When did you start your journey to becoming a coach, Administrator or athletic trainer etc.?
Immediately after graduating from IC, I started coaching part-time at Knox College while I worked on my masters, and gradually worked my way up to full-time, then was promoted to the Head Track & Field coach. I came back to IC right before the 2014 cross country season.
What is your favorite movie?
I could watch Mad Max: Fury Road everyday.
What is your favorite food?
Chips and Salsa are a staple food.
Where is your favorite place to eat out in Jacksonville, Illinois?
Since Jacksonville added a McAllister's, that's been a pretty consistent stop, but I'd have to say that Leo's and K's Creek are tops for me.
What is your fondest memory competing as an athlete yourself?
It's more of a feeling, but I'll always remember wanting to work hard and do well in practices and competitions because I knew my teammates were doing the same.
What is your fondest memory as a coach, trainer, administrator?
I think anytime an athlete far exceeds my and their own expectations, or when they accomplish a goal they've worked hard for is when I'm most excited to be a coach.
What are your favorite professional sports teams?
I'm a fairweather Chicago fan. Blackhawks, Bears, Sox (Though my wife tells me we are a St. Louis Cardinals household).
What are some of your hobbies that you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a bit of a tech nerd, so I like reading up the latest technology and science. I built my first computer last summer, so that was a lot of fun.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I read the Game of Thrones books before it was cool.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I'm a big fan of horror movies, so I'd say Halloween.
What is a personal fun fact that not many people know about you?
My middle name
What is your favorite sports venue, professional or college?
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium! More so for the atmosphere I experienced there for the 2015 Women's World Cup games.
What do you like most about Illinois College? Why?
It'll always feel like home.
What is your ultimate goal as a member of the Illinois College Athletics staff?
To be successful and have fun doing it.
Latest Track and Field
- Illinois College SAAC Will Host Girls & Women in Sports Day EventThe Illinois College Student-Athletes Advisory Committee will host a free event promoting Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, February 10, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for girls in the age range of kindergarten to 8th grade.
- Six All-Region Selections for IC Track & Field; Five to Compete at NationalsJACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College track & field program will have representatives from both its men's and women's programs at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships next week in La Crosse, Wis. The NCAA released its list of qualifiers this weekend, and the Blueboys will have their men's 4 x 100 Meter Relay competing at the event while the Lady Blues will be represented on the track for the second year in a row by Andrea Hyde in the 100 Meter Dash.
- Men’s 4 x 100 Relay Clinches Spot in NCAA Championships with School RecordNAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College track & field team took its final steps towards the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Thursday with the final day of North Central College's Gregory Invitational. While the men's 4 x 100 Meter Relay team booked a place in the national meet, other individuals will have to wait and see if they have done enough to qualify.
- Throwers Compete on First Day of Gregory InvitationalNAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College track & field teams had two individuals competing on Wednesday at North Central College's Gregory Invitational as members of the Blueboys and Lady Blues try to solidify qualifying spots for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
- Blueboys Second, Lady Blues Sixth at MWC Outdoor ChampionshipsMeet Results
- Blueboys in Second Place at Midway Point of MWC Outdoor ChampionshipsMONMOUTH, Ill. – The Illinois College track & field teams opened the Midwest Conference Outdoor Championships on Friday and the Blueboys began well, ending the first day in second place with 44 points. The Lady Blues are in seventh on the women's side with 10 points, but ran extremely well in a number of preliminary races.
