Director of Track and Field Richard Jones Makes Bold Statement About Newly Top Recruit

Director of Track and Field Richard Jones has recently made a significant impact with the announcement of two new assistant coaches for the Southern Illinois Track and Field program, signaling a pivotal moment in the program’s trajectory. The hiring of Angelina Ramos as head coach for cross-country and Deshawn Marshall Jr. as assistant sprint coach comes at a time when the Salukis are poised for greater heights in collegiate athletics. With a bold statement regarding the potential of this year’s top recruits and the future of the program, Jones emphasizes his commitment to creating a championship-caliber environment.

Jones has cultivated a reputation as a formidable leader in track and field, one who understands the intricacies of the sport and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. His confidence in the newly appointed coaches underscores a strategic approach to enhancing the program’s competitiveness. “I am confident in the abilities of the new coaches to lead our men and women to a championship caliber program,” Jones stated, a declaration that resonates with the goals of both athletes and staff. This optimism is infectious, and it sets the stage for a thrilling season ahead.

Angelina Ramos joins the Salukis with a wealth of experience, having previously coached at institutions like Ball State and UNLV. Her expertise is particularly valuable for distance events, an area where the Salukis have seen both challenges and triumphs. “I was drawn to working with Director Jones due to his reputation in the sport,” Ramos expressed, reflecting her admiration for Jones’s leadership and vision. Her desire to develop young talent in an environment that supports growth and excellence was a significant motivating factor for her decision to join the team.

Ramos’s insights into the Southern Illinois facilities highlight her commitment to maximizing the athletes’ potential. “The facilities that Southern Illinois offers for our athletes provide the resources we need to make Saluki track and field a top-tier national contender,” she noted, signaling her belief in the university’s investment in athletics. Such resources can often be the difference between a good program and a great one, and Ramos is keen on leveraging these assets to propel her distance runners to new levels of success.

Meanwhile, Deshawn Marshall Jr. brings a personal touch to the sprinting program, having been a record-breaking sprinter himself at Ohio State. With a personal best of 10.05 seconds in the 100 meters, he knows firsthand the dedication and precision required to excel at the collegiate level. Transitioning into coaching in 2020, Marshall has already begun to make his mark at Florida A&M and Cumberlands, where he honed his skills in developing athletes who are not just competitors, but champions.

Marshall’s enthusiasm for joining the Southern Illinois staff is palpable. “I look forward to working alongside Director Jones due to the high level of success he has achieved and the deep knowledge that he offers,” he remarked. His anticipation of collaborating with talented athletes is matched only by his championship expectations for the program. “I have championship-level expectations for this group. Getting the program over the hump of winning our conference and achieving awards for our athletes,” Marshall declared. This focus on excellence and success aligns perfectly with the overarching goals of the Saluki program.

Both Ramos and Marshall embody a passion for athletics that goes beyond coaching; they are mentors dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence. Their combined expertise is expected to enhance not only the performance of individual athletes but also the team as a whole. The synergy between the coaching staff and the athletes is crucial, as it creates an environment where hard work is rewarded and progress is celebrated.

The excitement around the program is palpable, especially with the addition of top recruits for the upcoming season. These athletes bring fresh talent and a competitive edge that can help elevate Southern Illinois to new heights. Jones’s commitment to harnessing the abilities of these recruits, coupled with the expertise of Ramos and Marshall, paints a promising picture for the Saluki track and field community.

The journey to a championship caliber program is often paved with challenges, but the newly assembled coaching staff appears ready to tackle these head-on. Their collective experience and proven track records suggest that the Salukis are on the brink of a significant transformation. It is not merely about training for races; it is about instilling a winning mindset that emphasizes discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

As the season approaches, the Salukis are poised to benefit from a renewed focus on athletic excellence. With Ramos’s strategic approach to distance running and Marshall’s sprinting expertise, the team can expect to see marked improvements across the board. Both coaches are committed to developing athletes who not only excel on the track but also embody the values of sportsmanship and dedication that define the Saluki spirit.

For athletes, having access to such experienced coaches is an invaluable asset. It provides them with the guidance and mentorship necessary to navigate the rigors of collegiate athletics. The emphasis on building relationships between coaches and athletes fosters a sense of unity and trust, which can be pivotal during high-pressure situations.

Jones’s vision for the Southern Illinois Track and Field program extends beyond just winning meets; it is about cultivating a legacy. The hiring of Ramos and Marshall signifies a strategic investment in that legacy, one that aims to make the Salukis a powerhouse in collegiate athletics. This investment is evident not only in the selection of experienced coaches but also in the nurturing of a supportive environment where athletes can thrive.

With a clear focus on their goals and a roadmap laid out by Jones, Ramos, and Marshall, the Saluki track and field team stands at the cusp of greatness. The combination of established coaching techniques, innovative training practices, and a commitment to athlete development sets the foundation for future success. As the new recruits join the program, they will be integrated into a culture that values hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As the upcoming season unfolds, the Southern Illinois Track and Field program will undoubtedly capture the attention of fans and competitors alike. With the leadership of Richard Jones and the contributions of Ramos and Marshall, the Salukis are on a trajectory toward becoming a formidable presence in track and field. The excitement surrounding the program is not just about immediate outcomes; it is about laying the groundwork for sustained success, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for greatness.

Ultimately, the collaborative efforts of the coaching staff and the dedication of the athletes will define the future of the Southern Illinois Track and Field program. With a commitment to excellence and a clear vision for success, the Salukis are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, transforming aspirations into reality and solidifying their place among the elite in collegiate athletics. As the season approaches, the anticipation builds, and the Southern Illinois community eagerly awaits what promises to be a groundbreaking year for the Saluki track and field program.