LCCC's Jim Powers Receives Jack Wilhelm Running Leadership Award

April 30, 2024 - - In April, Lorain County Community College's Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Commodore Cross Country teams, Jim Powers, received recognition from the Lorain County Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame with the Jack Wilhelm Running Leadership Memorial Award. 

The award is, fittingly, named after long-time LCCC Track & Field coach Jack Wilhelm.  The award recognizes individuals who contribute to the sport of running in Lorain County. 

"It means more just from the fact that I worked for Mr. Wilhelm for about 10 years," said Powers, who will enter his 16th year as the head coach for the men's and women's cross country teams this fall.  Wilhelm coached the track and field teams at LCCC for 16 years (1965-1981).   

"He pretty much started everything in terms of racing here at LCCC.  He made the cross country course here with the idea of having a place for every team in Lorain County to practice or hold races if they wanted. He started the Santorelli race, the Turkey Trot, and organized the Ohio High School Athletic Association District races here. It means a lot to carry on what Mr. Wilhelm started at LCCC." 

Powers revived the LCCC cross country program in 2009 but has been with the college in several different roles since 1988.  Since taking over the cross country program, Powers has guided the Commodores long distance runners to 11 top-10 finishes (Women – 6, Men – 5) at the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships. His teams have won 10 NJCAA Region 12 titles.