After eight seasons leading the cross country and track and field programs at Cleveland State University, Jason Hudson has been named the next head coach of the Heidelberg University men's and women's track and field programs.
"Jason's experience at the Division III level, strong ties throughout the state of Ohio, and personable nature make him an excellent fit for this position. I am excited to see the impact he will have on the program, particularly through his expertise in mental performance and the additional support his counseling background will provide to our students," said Athletic Director Greg Cooper. "With the opening of Frann's Fieldhouse last year and the addition of Jason to our program, I am excited about the continued growth and success of our track and field program for many years to come."
Jason comes to Tiffin with more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including extensive time at both the NCAA Division I and Division III levels.
"I am deeply honored by the confidence that Athletic Director Greg Cooper and the search committee have placed in me to lead the track and field program," he said. "I am excited to join a supportive community of coaches, administrators, faculty, and staff."
During his eight seasons at CSU, Jason coached the first three conference champions in program history, with titles coming in the 800-meter run, javelin, and the steeplechase. His athletes earned 17 all-conference honors and broke more than 60 school records, including 19 during the 2025-26 season.
Jason’s impact during his time leading the Vikings extended beyond competition. His cross country team posted a program-record 3.85 cumulative GPA, while the track and field team reached a school-record 3.66. Both programs earned USTFCCCA All-Academic recognition each year.
Prior to his time at Cleveland State, Jason spent more than a decade at Oberlin College in a variety of coaching roles.
During his time with the Yeomen and Yeowomen, Jason helped Oberlin win seven North Coast Athletic Conference women's cross country championships and make six NCAA Championship appearances, highlighted by a seventh-place national finish. Oberlin also captured the first NCAC women's indoor track and field championship in program history.
Individually, Hudson coached 229 all-conference performers, 40 conference champions and eight national qualifiers during his tenure at Oberlin. His athletes established more than 70 school records and nine conference records, while seven were named NCAC Athlete of the Year.
"Ultimately, this is about providing our student-athletes with a positive, transformative experience, both as members of the track and field program and as students at Heidelberg University," Jason said. "I look forward to building relationships, creating a strong team culture, and continuing the proud tradition of excellence at Heidelberg."
Jason began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, the College of Wooster, serving as an assistant cross country and track and field coach in 1994-95. He then spent three seasons at Case Western Reserve University as head women's cross country coach and assistant track and field coach. At Case Western Reserve, he coached 26 all-conference performers and the first NCAC cross country champion in program history.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Jason has served as the head coach of the Oberlin Spikes Track and Field Club since 2016. His athletes have won multiple national championships and 20 state championships. He also served as the head boys and girls track and field coach at Oberlin High School from 2017-18.
"The Berg has a rich history of success for both the men's and women's teams, and my goal is to build upon that tradition," Jason said. "My first priority will be to connect with each team member, learn from them, and ensure that we are all moving forward together with a shared vision and purpose."