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Marshall retiring as JCHS cross country coach

By Tom Loeffler
sports@newstribune.com

Published: Friday, November 13, 2009 9:19 AM CST

Jim Marshall's great run at Jefferson City High School is coming to an end.

Marshall -- the head cross country coach and an assistant coach in track field for 25 years -- has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the school year.

"It's a very sacrifice-oriented career," Marshall said. "I wouldn't do it any other way, but I feel like it's time to give back to my family, because I feel like they've had to sacrifice for my passion for 30 years."

Marshall spent five years at North Callaway before coming to Jefferson City.

"Doing this for 30 years, in two or three varsity sports every year, puts me at about my 64th season," he continued. "So I've had enough, I guess, from the 60-70 hour a week standpoint. I just need to do something a little less tedious, hour-wise."

His son, Cody, is graduating from high school this year and his daughter, Brittanny, is in college. She has a daughter, Alexa, and the Marshalls are helping raise their granddaughter.

"Over the last year or two, things have just been developing in my family," he said. "It's tough getting all the hours in when you coach two varsity sports, with all those things going on."

Marshall, 52, said his resignation is not due to a lack of passion.

"I'm still energetic and enthused when the meets come up and the gun goes off," he said. "That's what makes it hard -- I know this is the right thing to do, but I still love what I do."

With Marshall at the helm, the Jays and Lady Jays combined to win 32 cross country district titles, 18 state trophies for a top-four finish, five second-place finishes, and two state championships.

But the trophies are not what he'll remember most.

"To see kids come out just to lose weight, and then to see them develop and turn into great runners and place at district or state," Marshall said, "that's just been incredible to watch. And we've had a lot of those kids."

Marshall told the team Tuesday afternoon.

"I had a rough time with it and some of the kids had a rough time with it," he said. "There were a lot of tears shed, between all of us. But I guess that's a good thing. We have a pretty tight attachment and we all support one another ... it's been like a big family all along.

"When things change within a family, it's kind of tough. But I'm glad I got to sit down and tell them face-to-face, instead of them hearing it through the grapevine."

He's leaving the program on solid ground.

"We've got a good group of kids coming back and a good group of coaches here," Marshall said. "That was one of my concerns -- you never want to leave a program you've been with for a long time that has to be rebuilt and remolded."

Marshall informed the school's athletic director, Mike McGurk, of his decision Wednesday.

"When he told me, I said, 'You know Jim, the reason I'm in this business is so I can work with good people -- good kids and good coaches,'" McGurk said. "He's just such a quality person.

"He's put his stamp on the cross country program as much as Pete (Adkins) has done with football and Dennis (Licklider) has done with track. When you look at the number of district champions he's had and the number of state place-winners he's had, he's just done a tremendous job with that program.

"Then he carries it over and does it in the spring, as well. You talk about longevity ... he's coached more than 60 total seasons. That says a lot about what he's given to our program."

So what's next for Marshall?

"I'm exploring some things," he said. "It's not like I'm going out fishing or going on permanent vacation. I'm going to work, it's just not going to be 60-70 hours a week -- and it doesn't have to be anymore."

The search for his replacement will begin immediately.


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Thanks.

misshoneybee wrote on Nov 15, 2009 5:45 PM:

" Congratulations Coach Marshall! I remember you from your 'Thunderbird' (NCHS) days! Once a Thunderbird, always a Thunderbird! (smile) Enjoy retirement! "

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ap101 wrote on Nov 13, 2009 4:07 PM:

" As a former athlete in the CC program I just want to thank coach Marshall for an amazing 4 years! You pushed us all and knew what we were capable of and settled for nothing less than 100%. So many things you taught me in those 4 years carried on after high school and I am very greatful! I must say though the streets of Jefferson City will be a little less interesting without you on the bike/short bus/and I am pretty sure I saw a scooter in there one day! :)
Thanks Again you will be missed!!

Ashley Prenger "

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Silverfox wrote on Nov 13, 2009 12:00 PM:

" Your assistants and athletes will miss you. You left them in great shape to go for two trophies next year. You would have had it no other way.

I used to see you about 10-20 of those "seventy hours"a week you dedicated to JC. I bet it was more like 100 hr/week average, but you would not have had it any way.

Thanks for all you did for me, the other coaches, and all the kids that were in the CC and track programs. In addition, you were a heck of a teacher, which is the most important part of your career!

Come viist, BP.

The Fox "

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ammayer7 wrote on Nov 13, 2009 10:40 AM:

" "I just wanted to thank coach marshall for 4 years of cross country! He pushed his athletes to be the best that they could be and it showed and payed off when they hit the courses! Thank you so much coach you will be missed!"
YOUR FORMER ATHLETE,
Amanda Mayer "

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JC Alum wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:43 AM:

" One of the best coaches Ive ever had!!! I will be forever grateful for his dedication as a coach. Thank you Coach Marshall "

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webuiltthiscity wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:35 AM:

" Congratulations Coach on the many you have put in for the Jay program. Many have benefited from your guidance and knowledge of the sports you coached. I can see no better replacement than Coach Phillips to carry on what you have built. Congrats Coach! "

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formerJC wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:17 AM:

" Thank you, Coach, for all your guidance and hard work. One of my daughters ran for you, and just loved it!! You will be missed. "

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Marshall retiring as JCHS cross country coach

By Tom Loefflersports@newstribune.com

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By Tom Loeffler
sports@newstribune.com