Adi Jackson Commits To Run Cross Country And Track At Slippery Rock University

 Above photo courtesy of Kelsey Makin – Adi all smiles at the signing ceremony

Central Clarion Wildcats Cross Country and Track standout Adison Jackson recently signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI), to run in both sports for the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Rockets.

Slippery Rock, which competes in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), is mentored by Coach Bill Jordan, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the track and field and cross country programs, following a seventeen year stint as an assistant coach at Slippery Rock.

Coach Jordan is a three time US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Atlantic Region Coach of the Year (2023 women’s outdoor, 2024 women’s indoor, 2025 women’s indoor). He is a member of the Rocket’s coaching staff that was named, three time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coaching Staff of the Year (2023 women’s outdoor, 2025 women’s indoor, 2025 women’s outdoor).

Coach Jordan’s women’s cross country team won PSAC titles in 2023 and 2024 and finished in second place at the Atlantic Region Championships both years.

Adi will also benefit from the mentorship of assistant cross country coach Bobby Over, who is in charge of the distance runners in track.

Coach Over is in his fourth season at Slippery Rock after spending four years as head coach for the Seton Hill Griffins, another PSAC program. He was also an assistant coach there in from 2016-2018. Prior to that coach Over was a graduate assistant for John Carroll.

As Seton Hill’s head coach, he personally oversaw the training plans for thirty distance runners.

He was named PSAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2021, after leading the Griffins to second place at the conference meet and their qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Coach Over shared, “I was impressed with Adisen when she attended the SRU High School Cross Country camp in the summer before her junior year.

“In a few days with her at camp, I was able to see how hard working she was, how she worked with the other campers and how intently she listened and respected our staff of current SRU student athletes.

“Over the past year of recruiting Adisen, I have seen the results of years of training and dedication, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with her for the next four years.”

Adi has had a wealth of success in her scholastic cross country and track career.

In Cross Country:

Adi was a two-time Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class-A State medalist (2023, 2025) and a four time State qualifyer.

Adi was the District Nine Class She was named to the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference (KSAC) First Team four times and was the 2023 All-Conference MVP.

She and her teammates (Boy’s and Girl’s) won back-to-back KSAC Team Championships (2024 -2025). They were both the 2025 District Nine Class A Champions.

The conclusion of her scholastic cross country career is something that Adi will remember for the rest of her life.

“My most memorable cross country memory is my last high school race at the state meet in Hershey. It was the first time that as a Varsity girl and Boy’s team that we qualified for states.

“It was the most emotional race I have ever ran with my team and a perfect way to end my high school cross country career.”

In Track:

Adi was a three-time KSAC All-Conference selection.

In her career, she medaled in the 800. Adi was a District Nine Class A Qualifier in 800, 1600, and was a member of the 3200, 4×400 relay, and 4×800 relay. She advanced to States with a second place finish in the 800. She, along with the other Girls Team members just missed out on a trip to States, as they finished third.

She was the 2025 KSAC Champion in the 800 as well as a member of the winning 4×400 relay.

The Wildcats were this year’s Varsity Girls Team Champions. The Boys Team also won their Championship.

What was it that led to Adi’s deciding on Slippery Rock?

“I chose SRU because it was a good distance from home, and it offered the degrees I am interested in. I also fell in love with the campus feel, and how everything is close to one another.

“I began considering running for SRU after attending their Cross Country camp in the summer of 2024. The coaches were very welcoming from the start. I had a few visits with Coach Over and the team and everyone made me feel comfortable. The team also seemed very dedicated and passionate about running.”

And there is a big family tradition with Slippery Rock as well.

“My parents are both SRU alumni’s. My father wrestled at Brookville Area High School and went on to wrestle in college for SRU. My mother has always been passionate about running and participates in various trail races.”

And Adi’s education plans and beyond?

“I am currently debating between Physical Therapy and Psychiatrist. In the future, I would like to start my own practice with the major that I pursue a degree in.”

Adi had a number of folks she wanted to thank for being there on her journey.

“I have many people to thank for everything I have accomplished. My parents for all their love and support and for attending all of my meets. My three cross country coaches, Nicole Oakes, Erin Hepfl, and Kelsay Makin, for believing in me and supporting me all 6 years.

“All of my track coaches from 7th to 12th grade,  Jennifer Latshaw, Keith Murtha, Rosary Pennington, Chandra Scheftic, and Jess Quinn, for introducing me and pushing me at a variety of different track events. 

“Tammy Lerch for coaching me at indoor track and attending many cross country and track meets of mine to support me.

“To Eain Brooks for all the help with my off season training, and to Forrell-Barbell for providing a facility for me to work out in. And to all my cross country and track teammates for pushing me to be better and for their dedicated friendships.”

Wildcats Cross Country Coach Nicole Oakes mentioned, “Coming from a “running family” and recreationally running long distance races at a young age, Adi had stellar seasons all six years that she ran for the Clarion-Limestone Lions – later Central Clarion Wildcats, Cross Country.

“In her Varsity years, Adisen was a four time 1st Team All-Conference athlete and conference MVP her sophomore year.

“Adi is a two time Class A State medalist for cross country.”

Coach Oakes mentioned a very special relationship she developed with Adi.

“Over the years, there are always a few athletes with whom you naturally form a deeper bond, and for me. Adisen was one of those special connections.

“While she was certainly a standout on the course, that isn’t what made our relationship stronger. It was working through the highs and lows of expectations of herself, the perceived expectations of others, and frustration of physical set backs that brought her often to our coaching staff for guidance and support.

“Throughout her varsity career, I watched her grow into a confident young woman, an encourager on the starting line, a steady leader for her teammates, and a mentor for the younger runners who look up to her.

“Both times she earned her state medals, we had a quiet tradition before, and sometimes after, big races; I’d jokingly practice ‘placing’ a medal around her neck, a small gesture to show my belief in her abilities.”

Memories for a lifetime. “Many of the memories that I made with Adi are ones that I will look back on and cherish for many years.

And future memories are sure to come. “It is really exciting for me that she is going on to the next level continuing to run, just the same way that she came into our program, only more confident.

“Going to the ROCK, Adi will be close enough for me to keep up with her journey there, and as an SRU alumna myself, give me another reason to venture back to campus. Our new joke is that she will be coaching me soon in Physical therapy (her intended major at SRU).”

Tammy Lerch, Clarion Comets Track Club Head Coach mentioned Adi’s holding her own against some very stiff competition. something she noticed from the get-go.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Adi Jackson as a Clarion Comet for indoor track where she shined in the midst of great competition against elite athletes from Canada and various surrounding states while competing at Youngstown State University and the SPIRE Olympic Development Center.

“Although she was a young freshman when she first ran indoor, her heart was determined to complete against the elite Junior and Senior runners. Her desire to excel, propelled her to always begin her races strong. She was patient in her work to bring her personal times down, never getting discouraged.

“I have always looked forward to seeing where her work ethic would lead her to run in college, knowing her best is yet to come.”

Former Clarion-Limestone Track Coach, Keith Murtha shared his congratulations and well wishes. “I first want to congratulate Adi and her family on a fine high school career so far, I hope she will have a fantastic senior spring in track. Adi has a great support system in her family. Her mom Tiffany, an avid endurance athlete herself, her sister Reise, a teammate she can always count on, as well as her Dad, brother and boyfriend.”

He too sees the extra things she does to make herself a better athlete. “Adi does all the little things well, warm up and cool down, post run recovery, nutrition and strength training. This will serve her well and will be further developed as she moves on to the college level.

“Adi has a wide range of events she can cover, which is always beneficial. I wish her the best of luck in her academic and athletic career and look forward to following her collegiate career!”

Wildcats Track Coach Chandra Scheftic shared, “I had the privilege of coaching Adi during our inaugural track season as the Wildcats this past year as our school programs merged in 2024-2025.

“As a junior, Adi distinguished herself both athletically and as a leader.”

Coach Sheftic takes special notice of Adi’s drive and the great results she reaps during track season. “Her times improved continually all season, and her drive led her to be a threat in the 400m, 800m, 1600m as well as the 4x400m relay, a clear reflection of her work ethic and commitment to improving every single day. But Adi also saw wins in the 200m and 4x800m… her depth and willingness to compete to gain team points are a true testament to her athleticism.”

And not just in track. “It was exciting to see her race as part of the Wildcat Cross Country team this past fall, with a dedicated coaching staff and an amazing group of athletes, earning their way to States as a team with Adi taking an impressive 19th place individual award. Adi leads both on and off the track, bringing positivity to every practice – always smiling, encouraging her teammates, and eagerly taking on whatever workout is assigned.

“What impresses me most is that her work doesn’t stop when practice ends, most days going to a local gym to weight train as well as pushing herself to compete independently through the indoor season as she prepares for what is sure to be a successful senior season outdoors.

“I’m incredibly proud of her and excited for this spring and knowing we’ll get to watch her continue her athletic career at the collegiate level representing Slippery Rock University.”

Former C-L Assistant Coach, Rosary Pennington shared had this to say, “Adi is a strong athlete with a great head on her shoulders. She is very coachable, taking in all the feedback and setting goals. She approaches her training and competitions with a positive mindset.

“Even in times of setbacks and disappointments, she works harder to improve and doesn’t give up. She leads by example through her dedication of rarely missing a practice or competition.

“I wish her the best, she will be a great addition to her collegiate team.”

And former C-L Assistant Coach Jennifer (Coast) Latshaw: I had the pleasure of coaching Adi during the start of her career at Clarion-Limestone.  She has always been a hard-worker. 

“Although I only coached her for a brief time, it has been awesome watching Adi grow from a shy young athlete at a middle school invitational to the strong, confident state athlete she is today. 

“I am proud of the athlete and leader she has become and I know her determination and work-ethic will continue to lead her to success.”

Wildcat Cross Country Assistant Coach Kelsey Makin echoed the sentiments of the other coaches. “I’ve been privileged to coach Adi over the past four years. When I first met her and watched her run, it was clear she was a strong runner, but this past year she has truly matured as an athlete.

“Her training became more intentional and aligned with her goals, both mentally and physically. She learned when to push herself and when to rest so she could perform at her best on race day. Her mental toughness grew tremendously this year.

“Adi has always set clear goals entering each cross country season, and I’m excited to see what she will accomplish and what goals she will pursue in her collegiate running career.

Personal Trainer Eain Brooks, who has trained Adi for a number of years said Adisen’s consistency, hard work, and drive for excellence have made her successful. She is easy and fun to work with because she is willing to put the work in and show up everyday!

“I’m thrilled to see her go to my Alma Mater, SRU, and work with my collegiate teammate, Bill Jordan. I cannot wait to see what Adisen accomplishes!

“Good luck, Kiddo!”

(Congratulations to Adi and all those who have been with and will be with her through this great journey!!!! Thanks to everyone who shared photos comments and other information for this article!!)