Jesse Parker coaches the Bearkat middle and long distance runners and serves as the recruiting coordinator for the Track & Field / Cross Country program.

Since joining the staff in 2003, his runners have earned All-Southland Conference 39 times, won 12 SLC individual titles, garnered NCAA All-Region cross country honors five times and have broken school records in every endurance event.

 At the 2006 SLC outdoor, senior Brandon Moseley was the men's high point scorer as the both the men and women won their second consecutive league title.

At the 2005 SLC outdoor meet, Sarah Hershman became the first SHSU female distance runner to win an individual SLC title since 1990 when she won the 3,000m steeplechase. The men scored in every event, including a 1-2-3-4 finish in the 5,000m run and Raul Villarreal was named as the high point scorer of the meet after winning the 10000m Run, the 3000m Steeplechase, and the 5000m Run.

In 2004, four Bearkat men placed among the top 10 in the Southland cross country meet to earn All-SLC honors.

A native of Lockhart, Parker received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in August, 2005 and his Master of Arts in May 2007, both from Sam Houston State University. Parker completed his USATF Level II Endurance Certification in July of 2008 and his Level II Jumps Certification in July of 2009.

SHSU School Records since 2003