A fixture at Clayton State since November of 1990 as public information assistant and sports information director, Mead enters his sixth season in developing the Laker cross country program. A standout runner at West Georgia, Mead has utilized his running experience in building a competitive collegiate program.
In five seasons, Mead has had 13 all-conference, 10 all-region and six all-state selections. After leading the 1996 women's team to the NAIA national meet, Mead guided the 1997 Lady Lakers to a No. 23 NCAA Division II national ranking in the
program's first season at the NCAA level. In his first three seasons, Mead was tabbed Coach of the Year in the NAIA Southeast Region, NAIA Southeast Independent Region, and twice in the Peach Belt Conference. In addition, his women's team garnered the 1999-2000 All-Academic Team trophy and he has had two of his male
runners garner the Laker Award.
While at West Georgia, he helped the cross country team to consecutive appearances at the NCAA Division II Championships in 1978-79. He was a two-time all-conference and one-time Georgia Collegiate all-state runner. In track and field, Mead represented West Georgia at three NCAA Division II Championships in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. He holds four track records including the steeplechase (9:08.7), indoor mile (4:18) and indoor two-mile (9:14).
Before West Georgia, Mead ran two seasons at NJCAA powerhouse Southwestern Michigan College. He competed in two NJCAA national meets, including the 1977 cross country championships in which SMC finished second. Following college, Mead ran for the Atlanta Track Club and Athletics South competitive teams during the early 80's. He helped direct several road races in Carrollton and Americus and set personal bests on the road of 30:54 for the 10K, 24:47 for 8K, and 14:35 for 5K.
Mead holds a bachelor of arts degree in speech and master's degree in public administration from West Georgia. Before coming to Clayton State, he worked for daily newspapers in Carrollton and Americus and worked two years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also served as SID at Georgia Southwestern for two years.
Besides his coaching duties, Mead serves as Athletic Activities Coordinator. He is also active in the community, serving as the 2000-2001 chair for Clayton Youth Leadership. He is an active member of CoSIDA and holds membership in the United State Track Coaches Association and USA Track & Field. Mead and his wife, Alison, reside in nearby Lake City.
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