GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman women's cross country/track and field head coach Rita Gary announced today the hiring of Jack Blyth as the team's new assistant coach.
"Coach Blyth has been instrumental in elevating IMG over the past three years through thoughtful recruitment and the development of both domestic and international talent," said Gary. "What stood out to me during the interview process was his belief that elite performance is the by-product of elite personal development. He invests in the whole person and creates an environment where individuals can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and competitively. That commitment to multidimensional development mirrors our values here at Furman and ultimately made him the best choice for the position."
A native of Orlando, Fla., Blyth has spent the last three years coaching at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he has recruited and grown the distance program from eight athletes to 39 athletes. During his time on staff, the team has won three national titles, produced over 50 All-Americans, and set multiple all-time marks in both U.S. and Florida high school history.
Blyth's athletes captured national championships in the girls indoor 4x800m in 2025 and 2026 and added a girls outdoor national title in the event in 2025. IMG won the girls 4x800m title at the prestigious Penn Relays the past two season and claimed championships at the 2025 Millrose Games and the 2026 Texas Relays. Just last month, his outdoor boys and girls 4x800m teams claimed national titles in Eugene.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Furman cross country and track & field program," said Blyth. "This opportunity is truly a blessing, and I am grateful for the chance to work alongside Paladin coaches Rita Gary, Robert Gary, and Logan Roberts, coaches whose leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence have built such a special program.
"Furman has a long-standing tradition of success both athletically and academically, and I am highly motivated to contribute to that culture. I am more than excited to begin working with the student-athletes, helping them reach their goals, and supporting their development both on and off the track. I can't wait to get started and be a part of the Furman family."
Blyth competed in cross country and track and field for four years at Palm Beach Atlantic as an undergrad then ran at Tennessee Martin as a graduate student. He specialized in distance events, including the 3,000m Steeplechase. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Palm Beach Atlantic in 2021 and graduated from UT Martin with a master's degree in coaching and human performance in 2023.
