KENOSHA, Wis. – Parkside Director of Athletics Adam Schemm '08 has announced the hiring of James Halford as the next head track and field / cross country coach.
Halford has served as Parkside's assistant head track and field coach since 2023, helping the Rangers reach new heights in the GLIAC, Midwest Region and NCAA Division II landscape.
Under his watch, Parkside posted the best finishes in program history at the GLIAC Championships, including the highest team point total ever recorded at the conference meet. He also helped guide four student-athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in each of the past two seasons.
"We are excited to elevate James into this leadership role," said Schemm. "James has been an important part of the growth and momentum of our cross country and track and field programs. He understands Parkside, he has built strong relationships with our student-athletes, and he has shown a clear ability to recruit, develop and lead. His energy, work ethic and commitment to the student-athlete experience make him the right person to guide this program into its next chapter."
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As assistant head coach, Halford has taken a lead role in recruiting, student-athlete development, program operations and team culture, work that helped produce a men's team conference runner-up finish and the highest women's team point total in program history.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this program," said Halford. "Parkside means a great deal to me, and I understand the responsibility that comes with serving our student-athletes, staff, alumni, and community. Our standards in the classroom will be built on integrity, effort, and discipline. In competition, we will be defined by resolve, selflessness, and toughness. When Parkside shows up, opponents will know they are in for a fight."
Halford has developed student-athletes across multiple event groups, including three All-Americans, and coached the program's first men's GLIAC individual event champion. His coaching portfolio at Parkside has centered on the program's sprinters and hurdlers.
Before joining Parkside, Halford spent three seasons (2020-23) as head track and field coach at Palmyra-Eagle High School, where he oversaw all aspects of the program.
His leadership background extends beyond coaching: Halford served as an infantry team leader in the U.S. Marine Corps, worked in private military contracting, taught as a special education instructor and served as a team captain for the Indiana University football program.
Halford holds a Master of Arts in teaching from Carroll University, a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Indiana University, and an associate degree in criminal justice from the College of Lake County.
