LOS ANGELES – LMU men's cross country coach Jason Zarb-Cousin will be departing the school for another opportunity after a combined stint of 12 years with Lions cross country.  

 

"Zarb" as he is known familiarly, began his career on the volunteer side in 2005 while he was a member of the US Air Force. He volunteered for five seasons and helped LMU to seven top-three finishes in the WCC, four runner-up performances and two individual titles.  

 

His second stint with the Lions began in the fall of 2016, under then coach Scott Guerrero. Zarb assisted with three All-Region teams, two cross country NCAA National appearances, three NCAA Track and Field National Appearances and assisted with All-American Danielle Shanahan in 2018.  

 

He was named the new head coach of the program in June of 2021 and has spent the previous two seasons at the helm of the program as the team has undergone a transition to two separate programs. Zarb's most recent success was Estanis Ruiz's qualification to the NCAA Track and Field Nationals in the steeplechase.  

 

When asked about his time on the Bluff, Zarb said, "I want to thank everyone who has crossed paths with me during my 11-year journey at LMU. It has been special, and I am going to miss everyone. This is bittersweet in that I am excited to start a new chapter in my career but the men and women I have had the pleasure of coaching hold a special place in my heart, and I want nothing more than to see them be successful. 

 

Zarb's time on the bluff has been signified by success at each stop of the way and he is always excited to greet people with a smile and a firm handshake.  

 

"We want to thank Coach Zarb-Cousin for his dedication and service to LMU and wish him and his family the best," said athletic director Craig Pintens. 

 

Women's cross country coach Chloe Curtis will take over at the helm of the men's cross country and track teams until the end of the track season on an interim basis.