Colby Community College announced two major additions to its nationally recognized track and field and cross country programs with the hiring of veteran coach Jason Davis as head track and field coach and former Trojan national champion Chayse McCullough as the program’s first associate track and field/cross country coach.

Davis brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience to Colby, including multiple head-coaching stops at NCAA Division II and Division III institutions. Throughout his career, he has overseen all aspects of collegiate programs, including recruiting, athlete development, compliance, budgeting, scheduling, travel coordination, and academic success.

Most recently, Davis served at Earlham College, where he managed all facets of the program while continuing to develop student-athletes both on and off the track.

Prior to Earlham, Davis spent six seasons as the Head Track and Field Coach at Marietta College from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, he guided athletes across multiple event areas while managing the program's daily operations and building strong relationships throughout the athletic department.

Davis also served as the Head Track and Field Coach at Lake Superior State University from 2013-2017, where he directed the NCAA Division II program, led recruiting efforts, and implemented year-round training and athlete development plans.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Davis to the Trojan family," said Colby athletic director Kenny Hernandez. "Jason brings a tremendous amount of experience and leadership to our program. His background at multiple collegiate levels, commitment to student-athlete success, and passion for developing athletes make him a great fit for Colby Community College."

Earlier in his career, Davis held assistant coaching roles at Susquehanna University, Bloomsburg University, Lees-McRae College, and Wilmington College. He also served as the Head Women's Cross Country Coach at College of Mount Saint Joseph earlier in his coaching career.

Among his career accomplishments are multiple conference coaching staff honors, including Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year awards, along with recognition as the 2009 NCAA Southeast Region Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.

"I'm excited to get started at Colby," Davis said. "The foundation is there to build a first-class program. I'm thankful to the administration for trusting me with the program, and I'm excited to work alongside our staff as we continue building something special. It's going to be a fun challenge."

A graduate of Wilmington College, Davis will begin his duties immediately as he prepares the Trojans for the upcoming season.

Chayse McCullough

McCullough is the college's first-ever Associate Track and Field/Cross Country Coach.

The newly created full-time position marks a significant investment in the future of both programs and reflects Colby's continued commitment to building championship-level success on the track and in the classroom.

A native of Plainville, Kansas, McCullough brings a unique blend of competitive experience, leadership, and passion for Colby Community College back to the program where his collegiate running career first began.

"I'm excited to have Chayse on board," said head coach Jason Davis. "He brings energy and passion to the staff. He's going to help elevate our program to new heights. I can't wait to get started."

McCullough was a member of Colby's historic 2022 NJCAA National Championship Cross Country team before continuing his collegiate career at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He later transferred to Fort Hays State University, where he completed his bachelor's degree while competing for one of the premier NCAA Division II programs in the country.

During his time at Fort Hays State, McCullough earned three MIAA Academic Honor Roll selections, showcasing his commitment to both athletics and academics.

"I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to give other Kansas kids the same opportunity Coach Brady Johnson gave Emily and I," McCullough said. "We would be nowhere near where we are today without Colby. Emily and I are excited to be back in the wonderful town of Colby to keep pursuing our dreams as well as assisting others to pursue theirs."

While this will be his first collegiate coaching role, McCullough has already developed strong leadership experience through years of mentoring and community involvement. He has volunteered as a coach and mentor with the Solomon Valley ARC, helping teach and support children with special needs and disabilities. He has also worked in education settings, assisting students with special needs while continuing to pursue his passion for athletics and mentorship.

McCullough's addition also creates a unique connection within the Trojan family, alongside his wife, Emily Diercks McCullough, another former Trojan standout who has become one of the top distance runners in NCAA Division II.

Emily is a two-time defending MIAA Cross Country Champion and earned NCAA Division II All-American honors in the 10,000 meters during the 2025 outdoor season after placing ninth nationally. She has qualified for two NCAA Division II National Championships, earned four All-MIAA honors, multiple All-Region accolades, and currently holds three school records at Fort Hays State.

Before her success at Fort Hays State, Emily starred at Colby, where she captured the 2023 NJCAA Indoor National Championship in the 3,000 meters, further cementing her place among the top distance runners in program history. Like Chayse, Emily began her collegiate career at Colby, making the couple's return to the Trojan program even more meaningful.

The addition of McCullough gives Colby another young and energetic coach with firsthand experience competing at multiple collegiate levels who understands the culture and expectations that have helped build the Trojans into a nationally competitive program.

"This is a huge moment for our programs," cross country head coach Mathew Scott added. "Creating this position allows us to better support our student-athletes and continue growing the championship standard we expect at Colby. Chayse is the perfect fit because he understands the work and the culture that comes with being a Trojan."

McCullough will work collaboratively with the Trojan coaching staff across both track and field and cross country operations, helping with training, recruiting, athlete development, and day-to-day program management as Colby continues building toward future regional and national success.

 

 

Jacob Lawson
Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Information Director
jacob.lawson@colbycc.edu
(785) 460-5549