Alumni Update: Richard Jones – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
Jan. 28, 2015
Catch up with Richard Jones, a former 400-meter dash and relay star for Ohio State, currently a volunteer assistant sprints coach with the Buckeyes and educator at Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus.
Prior to his role with the Buckeyes, Jones spent 10 years as head coach at Hartley, where his teams rewrote the state record books in all sprint events in Division II. Over a four year stretch, the team was either state champion (2009, 2011) or state runners-up (2008, 2010). Hartley was consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the state and several athletes and relays were nationally ranked. In 2010 he coached his first national championship team in the 4×200-meter relay.
Competing for the Buckeyes from 1992-1996, Jones was a multiple Big Ten champion, All-American and national champion in 1993 as a member of the 4×400-meter relay team. He represented his native country of Guyana at the 1996 Olympics in the 400-meter dash and 4×400-meter relay.
Where are you now in your life after your time as a student-athlete at Ohio State?
I am currently a volunteer coach with the track and field program at Ohio State. During the day, however, I am an educator at Bishop Hartley High School.
Why did you choose to become a coach?
I have been coaching for years and just believe it was the natural progression after competing. I have a love and passion for the sport and always wanted to give back. I have been blessed with many opportunities through track to travel the world and wanted to share that experience with student-athletes as well.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
As a coach, getting the athletes qualified for nationals last year at regionals. I also really enjoyed the women’s indoor 4×4 breaking the school record at the Big Ten meet as well. The women really worked hard and fought for a great run and the school record was the end result.
How does being a former student-athlete (and a former Buckeye) help you as a coach at OSU?
Coaching here means more to me than anywhere else. I remember training here and traveling and all of the fun and pain that took place as a student-athlete, so it’s very relatable for me when I talk to the athletes. I have literally walked the same roads they have to get to the same places of success, literally and figuratively. I’m very invested in their success and in their representing Buckeye Nation.
What made you choose to be a Buckeye?
At the time it was the best blend of athletics and academics coming out of high school. I was a fan of the quarter system as well academically. Athletically, the team had assembled some of the best athletes in track and football, so that was a selling point as well.
What is your best memory at Ohio State both on and off the track?
I’ve had a number of great memories from my time at Ohio State: winning a national title and a Big Ten individual championship, becoming an Olympian, and graduating with a degree from The Ohio State University.
What lesson did you take away from Ohio State track and field that you apply to your daily life?
I learned some life skills about surviving and handling diversity. OSU has people from all over the world, so it’s a very diverse culture I grew accustomed to. I used that knowledge to help me in the work force.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years and beyond?
I hope I am well within my career as either a coach or educator and enjoying my life. I have two teenage kids currently, so they should be out of college and I will be a true empty nester!
What advice do you have for current and future Buckeyes?
Being part of Buckeye Nation is something you never lose. Everywhere you travel you find Buckeyes –who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? My advice is to embrace Buckeye Nation for what they can do for you.
