Jim Bradley, who spent the past year as an assistant cross-country and track coach at York High, has been promoted to head coach of the Falcons’ cross-country program.
The move was finalized last week with the approval from the York County School Board. Bradley, 54, replaces Jeff MacGuinness, who stepped down following the recent spring season.
After graduating from Bluefield College with a master’s degree in education and human development, Bradley spent 13 years with the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring early.
Before coming to York, Bradley, who is certified in a variety of areas of fitness, spent one year assisting at Hampton High School and has also coached privately on the side for the past four years.
He is a certified Master Fitness Trainer and USA Track and Field, USA Triathlon and USA Cycling coach who also trains at the Center for Weight Loss Success in Newport News.
He says his passion, though, is training high-school students because it allows him the opportunity to mold young athletes.
“I like to be able to take raw talent and craft them into athletes,” said Bradley, who grew up in Williamsburg and ran for James Blair Middle and Lafayette High schools. “I’m not looking for kids who want to go to stats, I’m just looking for kids with great attitudes willing to give 100 percent.”
Bradley, who is the No. 12 ranked triathlon runner in the state in his division, said he is “excited” to assume his first head coaching role and hopes to leave his own mark on York’s program.
“I have a strong understanding of exercise science and am looking forward to getting to work,” Bradley said. “As a competitive athlete myself who also stays busy with my personal training, I feel I bring a well-rounded perspective to coaching.”
