Former cross country runner now coaching
gcsunade | gcsunade.com- Jason Hendrix
Some people have a natural talent for achieving greatness. The Georgia College graduating class of 2009 was fortunate enough to have just such a person among their ranks by the name of Jason Hendrix.
As the creator and originator of Thunder, our Georgia College mascot, and as a recipient of the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Scholars Award, Hendrix never ceased to amaze with his abilities to achieve greatness.
Hendrix is now working his magic as the new sports information director and head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country programs at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech).
While at GC, Hendrix showed a great level of enthusiasm for the Department of Athletics; however, Hendrix did not demonstrate a strong desire to coach.
“He had talked about it as a potential career path, but was mainly interested in graphic design and photography,” explained GC’s sports information director, Al Weston.
Hendrix served as an athlete, a mascot, and creator of what is now known as the Thunder Crew (previously named the Thundercats), the program in charge of raising school spirit at GC. But he never achieved his dream of becoming a coach.
“Honestly, since high school I had dreamed of becoming a major NCAA Division I program’s coach and leading them to a national championship,” Hendrix said. “In college, that dream was placed on the backburner when I fell in love with media, sports broadcasting and everything ESPN-like.”
Hendrix truly took full advantage of his time at GC and spared no effort to learn about media and sports broadcasting.
Hendrix worked as a student assistant in the SID office, and thrust himself into as many other beneficial roles and experiences as possible.
“The time I spent with the cross country team, as mascot, and all my leadership roles with multiple clubs throughout campus gave me crucial experience needed to lead and supervise others while successfully completing my work and deadlines,” Hendrix said. “My time spent as a student assistant in the SID office opened doors to other opportunities with UGA, the Braves, FSU and now WVU TECH.”
Hendrix says that he was majorly influenced by Al Weston while in school.
“Alan placed my dreams into a reality and guided me into the world of sports media and information. I give his influence, opportunities, and guidance the complete credit into my biggest influence to pursue a career in sports information,” Hendrix said. “Alan loved his job. He had time for family, and most of all, he thoroughly enjoyed what he was doing. I wanted that same feeling and opportunity, so now I’m finally getting that chance after several years as an assistant, intern or an associate within multiple athletic departments and media agencies.”
According to Weston, Hendrix left a mark at GC.
“He had a very outgoing personality and was always willing to help,” Weston said.
Jason Hendrix- Jason Hendrix poses with some members of the men’s cross country team he coaches at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. He also coaches the women’s team and serves as the sports information director.
Posted by Julia Field-Green
on Sep 6 2012. Filed under Sports.
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