DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Newly-Appointed Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Garon Jackson announced Tuesday his 2023 coaching staff as the Wildcats prepare to embark on the 2023 season in the coming weeks.
Bernard Gaither will serve as the Associate Head Coach for Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field, specializing in Short Sprints, Hurdles, and Multi-Events.
"Coach Gaither has been a championship head coach," Jackson said. "He brings a lot to our program. When I took over the program, it was important that we instilled that type of leadership into the program. He is the type of coach that can help me do that."
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Gaither brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the position. Previously serving as the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Gaither achieved recognition as the 3X Sun Conference Coach of the Year. His dedication to athlete development and character building has been evident through various community service initiatives.
Gaither is a a former collegiate athlete himself, competing for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Towson University.
At UMES, he was a part of the 1995 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship team.
At Towson, Gaither set program records in the 500m and Distance Medley relay indoors. He was also an IC4A Meet Qualifier.
Gaither's qualifications include certifications in USATF Levels 1, 2 (Sprint, Hurdles, Relays, Distance, Jumps, Combined Events), USATF Level 3/IAAF Level 5 - Youth Specialization, and USATF Emerging Elite qualifications in Jumps and Sprint, Hurdles, and Relays.
Returning to the staff is
Courtney Walker, who will serve as Director of Operations & Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country / Track and Field Coach, specializing in jumps.
A B-CU alum, Walker has been with the program since 2016, when she served as a graduate assistant from 2016-2018.
She returned to the program in 2022, where she served as assistant coach.
"Coach Walker is a straight-forward, hard-working individual," Jackson said. "She was my graduate assistant when I was here the first time, and she did an amazing job. Communicating with her and trusting her ability to get the job done, as well as her relationship with administration and around campus shows the value that she brings to our program. "
2022 Bethune-Cookman Graduate
Carlin Berryhill will return to the program, this time as Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field Coach, specializing in Distance and Cross Country events.
"Carlin has maturity and a winning attitude," Jackson said. "He's a go-getter. I recruited him out of high school and coached him here at B-CU. He was one of the hardest working athletes I've ever coached. The attitude that he has resonates with the whole team."
Berryhill graduated from B-CU with a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.
As a former Wildcat student-athlete in Cross Country and Track & Field, Berryhill earned six Conference Champion titles and was recognized as the Conference Runner of the Year in 2018 and 2022.
Berryhill also served in the Student Athlete Advisory Council during his time at B-CU.
