Jackson State University Women's Cross Country

Mark Spooner joined the Jackson State University Division of Athletics staff in 2020, working in the role of Assistant Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field Coach. A native of New Orleans, La., Spooner’s specific duty with Jackson State’s cross country/track and field program is coaching jumpers. He designs and implements training programs for the male and female student-athletes in the jumping events, providing coaching, mentorship, and direct supervision. Spooner has been successful in helping to elevate the stature of JSU cross country/track and field during his time as an assistant. He has produced individual champions in the high jump, the long jump, and the triple jump. He has also produced conference MVPs, jumpers who ranked among the best in the NCAA and one honorable mention NCAA All-American. Prior to joining the Jackson State staff, Spooner served as Assistant Track and Field Coach at Canton High School and Head Boys Track and Field Coach at Huey L. Porter Middle School from 2018-19, both in Canton, Miss. In 2018, he helped lead Canton High’s boys’ team to a North State, Regional and District championship and to a second-place finish at the 5A state championship meet. Then, in 2019, he led Porter Middle School to its first-ever C.M.A.C district championship and Canton High to its second straight district and north state championship as well as a tie for third place at the 5A state championship meet. From 2014-22, Spooner was an assistant coach with the Mississippi Trackstars, a Jackson, Miss. youth team consisting of children aged six to 18. He has also coached boys eight and under and nine-to-10-year-olds who have advanced to the finals of the USATF Junior Olympics. While in college at Jackson State, Spooner was also an adept track and field performer himself, competing for the Tigers from 2007 to 2011. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation as well as a Master of Science degree in Sports Management, both from Jackson State.