Bio

Jim Powers has been the head men’s and women’s cross country coach at Lorain County Community College since 2009.

Coach Powers has been at LCCC in several capacities for the past 35 years. He is a Professor in the Health & Wellness Sciences Division; he also serves as the Assistant Athletic Director and Club Sports Coordinator. Jim has been around cross country for a long time, as an athlete, race director, and coach.

He was an All Ohio cross country runner at Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, where he was a member of three state finalist teams. He is the school record holder for the 2.5 mile distance, and is a member of the Holy Name High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim also ran one season for The Ohio State University.

Jim is director of the annual LCCC Running Camp, and is or has been the race director for the Santarelli Memorial Race, Penton Memorial Turkey Trot, and Jack Wilhelm Cross Country Invitational. He also works closely with directors on high school cross country events held on the LCCC cross country course, organizing the events-including the OHSAA District races. In 2019, Powers was named the NJCAA DIII Region 12 Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.  In 2024, Powers received the Jack Wilhelm Memorial Leadership Award, presented by the Lorain County Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame which recognizes individuals who contribute to the sport of running in Lorain County. 

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation education from The Ohio State University in 1988 and his master’s degree in physical education from Slippery Rock University in 1990. Jim and his wife Gina live in Westlake, Ohio with their daughter, Carmen, and two sons, Patrick and Declan.