John Cochran was named the head coach of the Averett University men’s and women’s cross country programs in June 2016.
In his first year at the helm of Averett's programs, Cochran helped produce two all-conference runners on the women's side, including the 2016 USA South Conference championship runner-up. He also had one men's runner and one women's runner compete in the NCAA Regional.
Cochran has a wealth of experience as a cross country and track coach and holds a USA Track & Field Coaching Level 2 certification. Previously, he served as a track and cross country coach at Plattsburgh State University, where his teams produced 10 conference champions, eight new school records and four NCAA qualifiers from 2008-11. He also gained experience coaching Division I Radford University’s track and cross country teams, one year as a graduate assistant coach and two as an assistant coach from 2003-2006. In addition, Cochran’s coaching experience includes more than five years at the high school level in Virginia.
Aside from coaching, Cochran has previously taught at The Carlbrook School and at Clinton Community College. He currently teaches in Danville Public Schools.
A native of Christiansburg, Virginia, Cochran earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Radford University, where he competed on the track team. He also received a master’s in physical education (sports performance) from Virginia Tech. He also served four years in the United State Navy and two years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Cochran and his wife Meg have a daughter, Cheyanne.
