James Isaac is in his first season as assistant coach of the Barton Track & Field program.

A native of Durham, North Carolina, Isaac arrives to Barton from his home state following successful experience within the high school ranks.

Most recently the assistant coach at Hugh M. Cummings High School in Burlington, Isaac helped the school bring home three state championships and a pair of runner-up finishes. Isaac helped coached 26 All-State performances in his three years, capturing 19 state titles, and posting nine North Carolina All-Time performances.

Prior to Cummings, Isaac began his coaching career at Southern Durham High School, serving as assistant coach for four seasons before taking over as head coach from 2015-2018. Isaac’s 2017 team earned a 3rd place indoor finish and the 3A Mideast Regional runner-up trophy. Under Isaac the program also produced three individual championships within its 14 All-State performances, the conference Male Runner of the Year, two individual state all-time performances, and one relay team state all-time performances.

Beginning in 2015 and coinciding with his high school coaching, Isaac was the 13-19 age group coach for the Durham Striders Track Club based out of Durham. During this time Isaac’s Striders produced 57 national qualifies, 19 all-americans, 3 national champions, four North Carolina all-time performances, and one national record holder in the 13-14 Boys 100m hurdles.

A 2013 graduate of North Carolina Central University, Isaac holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Administration – Sports Management and a minor in Business Administration.