MOBILE, Ala. – With the Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Championship set to take place Saturday, first-year University of South Alabama head coach Parker Cowles sat down to record this week's edition of "Inside JagNation."

In this episode of the official podcast of Jaguar Athletics, Cowles discusses joining the USA coaching staff just prior to the start of the season, what he did to immerse himself in the program in a short amount of time, adjustments he has made to the team's training program and why he was interested in coming to South.  In addition, he addresses the upcoming league championship including his goals and expectations for both the men's and women's teams, and what might concern him about the competition set to take place in Boone., N.C., on Saturday.  Other topics of the podcast include going through multiple moves while growing up — living in Germany among other places —why he decided to attend the Air Force Academy and his experience as a student-athlete at a service academy.

Cowles also talks about why he wanted to be a coach, how he got his first position in the profession, the differences working at an NCAA school and at the junior-college level, and his goals for the Jaguar program and in the coaching field.

Click here for Episode 64 of "Inside JagNation"

Cowles received an undergraduate degree from Air Force in American history in 2009, earning a master's degree in sports administration and leadership two years later.  During his collegiate career, he garnered eight letters in track and cross country for the Falcons, recording podium finishes at a pair of Mountain West Conference Championships while posting a runner-up result in the 10,000 meters at the Drake Relays in 2008.

After three years on the staff at ISU, Cowles was an assistant for two years at Barton County (Kan.) C.C.  He was an assistant for one season at his alma mater and was at Texas-Rio Grande Valley for one year prior to joining the Jag staff.

Click here for "Inside JagNation" archives

To download and listen to previous editions of "Inside JagNation," individuals can search for "South Alabama Jaguars" on iTunes.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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