After completing his fourth season at the University of Central Arkansas, Josey Weaver has elevated the Bears' Cross Country and Track & Field program to unprecedented heights. Under his leadership, UCA has emerged as one of the premier programs in the conference, highlighted by back-to-back historic seasons that saw the Bears sweep the men's and women's ASUN Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships. In just four years, Weaver has guided the program to eight conference team championships.
The success of the Bears under Weaver has been remarkable. During his tenure, UCA student-athletes have broken 60 school records, captured 48 individual conference championships, earned 105 All-Conference honors, qualified 12 athletes for the USATF U20 Championships, produced 35 NCAA First Round qualifiers, and advanced 9 student-athletes to the NCAA Championships. His teams have established a championship culture built on accountability, relentless work ethic, and a commitment to maximizing every opportunity.
Success under Weaver extends well beyond competition. He has emphasized excellence in the classroom alongside athletic achievement, with UCA earning USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors in each of his four seasons leading the program.
Weaver arrived at UCA following a successful six-year tenure at East Carolina University, where he served as the head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach. During his time with the Pirates, he transformed the cross country program from the bottom of the American Athletic Conference into a championship contender while helping develop conference champions, school record holders, and NCAA qualifiers.
A native of Weaverville, North Carolina, Weaver attended Madison High School, where he was a three-time North Carolina State Champion in the 3,200 meters, cross country, and pole vault. He continued his athletic career at Western Carolina University, earning three All-Southern Conference honors while setting school records in the indoor 5,000 meters (14:31) and the 8K cross country (24:16). Weaver was also recognized as an Academic All-American during all four years of his collegiate career, exemplifying the balance of academic and athletic excellence that he now instills in his student-athletes.
University of Central Arkansas (2022- Present)
- 9 NCAA Individual Qualifiers
- 35 NCAA 1st Round West Qualifiers
- 8 Team Conference Championships
- 48 Conference Champions
- 105 All-Conference Performers
- All-Academic Team (2023 – 2026)Â
- 60 School Records Broken
