Men's Cross Country

Naron Rollins is an emerging coach in collegiate track and field, known for his blend of firsthand competitive experience and a strong foundation of mentorship under some of the sport’s most respected leaders.

Rollins began his coaching career at Western Colorado University, where he played a crucial role in the development of student-athletes within one of the most competitive programs in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). In his only season with the Mountaineers, he led the Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays teams. Under his guidance, his athletes broke three school records and set 16 all-time marks in program history. Additionally, Rollins trained 17 All-Conference award winners and helped 37 athletes qualify for conference competitions. Notably, he coached one athlete to a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at the Swedish Senior Championships this summer.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Rollins was a collegiate competitor at Pittsburg State University, one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II track and field. During his time at Pitt State, he trained under renowned coaches Russ Jewett, Kyle Rutledge, and Matt Brown, who greatly influenced his approach to both performance and coaching. Their mentorship instilled in him a balance of technical precision, athlete-centered development, and the importance of academic and personal growth alongside athletic success. As a member of the Gorillas, Rollins set three school records and earned five All-American titles, along with four MIAA championships. He was also a two-time recipient of the MIAA High Point Award and participated in the Pittsburg State men’s indoor national championship team in 2018.

Rollins' track and field lineage traces back to his Kansas City roots, coming from a decorated family in the sport. He was a standout at Platte County High School in Platte City, Missouri, where he won multiple state championships and still holds the Class 3 state record in the boys' 200-meter dash.

Drawing on these influences, Rollins has developed a coaching philosophy rooted in discipline, attention to detail, and athlete empowerment. His focus extends beyond maximizing athletic performance; he aims to prepare student-athletes for long-term success in life, inspiring them to chase their greatness.

Outside of track and field, Rollins is known for his commitment to family. He is married to Anna Rollins, who played collegiate basketball at Highland Community College and Eckerd College in Florida.

With a growing reputation as a dedicated coach and mentor, Rollins continues to build upon his foundation in the sport, bringing passion, knowledge, and an unwavering drive to see every athlete chase their greatness and positively impact the Fort Scott community.