Jon Warren Head Track Coach

jhwarren@rice.edu
713-348-6021
Rice University Website

Commitment to success. It is a one-two-three process for sixth-year coach Jon Warren. First, academic success. Warren, a 1988 graduate of Rice University with a degree in managerial studies and political science, went on to the University of Houston and received a masters of education in 1991. Like fellow Rice alumnus head track coach Ray Davidson, Warren knows what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete.

Second, athletic success. Warren began his freshman year as a member of the cross country team, and represented Rice at the 1983 NCAA championships his first season with the Owls. He was also part of the 1987 contingent which placed in the top 20 of 227 teams at the NCAA championships.

A significant participant during track season, Warren’s time of 8:06.66 in the indoor 3,000, set in 1986, is still the Rice school record. In 1987, Warren posted a time of 4:03.05 in the indoor mile, which also remains a school record.

However, Warren has hardly hung up the running shoes. An accomplished runner to this day, his primary event has been the steeplechase. He was a finalist in the 1992 Olympic trials and champion of the 1995 Olympic Festival. His best time in the event is 8:30.66. His fastest time to date in the mile is 3:59.30. In the 5,000 meters, Warren has posted a time of 13:58.

Always looking for a new and exciting challenge, Warren has expanded his repertoire to include the marathon. He put his skills to the test at the 1996 Olympic trials, where he finished eighth with a time of 2:15.59. It was only the second marathon he had ever run. In 1997, Warren participated in the marathon at the World Championships in Athens, Greece. Most recently, Warren qualified for the marathon in the 2000 Olympic trials.

Third, coaching success. Warren returned to Rice in the spring of 1989 as a part-time assistant coach in the distance events. Once elevated to full-time status, Warren's primary coaching duties continue to revolve around the distance corps. Tallying another honor to his record at Rice, Warren led the 1999 cross country team to the WAC championship title and was named the conference's coach of the year.

Off the track, Warren is actively involved in recruiting for Rice, and is involved with every aspect of the athletes' training and development.

Warren is married to the former Stacy Jones. A 1987 Rice graduate and former swimmer for the Owls. Jones-Warren is a two-time Catherine Hannah award winner.