Just two weeks into his tenure as the head coach of the VCU Women's Track and Field and Cross Country programs, Jon Riley sat down with the VCU Athletic Communications office to give Rams fans a more in-depth look at who he is and what can be expected of him.

Athletic Communications: With it being so early in your new coaching gig, what's impressed you the most about being a part of the VCU athletics family?

Riley: Administration was so welcoming when I arrived. The department accepted me with open arms and was genuinely concerned with my well-being during the passing of my father, I'm really going to like it here at VCU.

AC: What are your expectations headed into your first year as a head coach:

JR: My expectations are to get the athletes to set new level of expectations resulting in improved academic performance and reaching their full potential as a team.

AC: Where do you see the program in the next 5-10 years?

JR: I see us as one of the top teams in the conference, competing with the top half of the conference for a title year after year.

AC: If you had to sum up your coaching philosophy in one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

JR: To get the student-athletes to reach their full potential by pursuing excelence in academics and athletics.

AC: What are you looking forward to about your first year of head coaching?

JR: I am looking forward to bonding with the team and leading them into a new era of VCU Track and Field.

AC: How did you get your start in coaching?

JR: My long time track coach in New Orleans, Mr. Grant, asked me to volunteer and coach some of the kids from the New Orleans Metro Track Club back in 1998 and I've been coaching ever since.

AC: Biggest Inspiration?

JR: My father's strength during his last days on earth.

AC: Favorite food(s)?

JR: Red Beans and Rice, Crawfish Etouffe and Seafood Dirty Rice

AC: Favorite Movie?

JR: Love Jones

AC: Favorite Book?

JR: Race Matters by Cornell West

AC: Favorite Restaurant?

JR: Sweet Fire and Ice

AC: Hobbies?

JR: Photography and collecting jazz

AC: If I'm not on the track or in the office, I'm ____________?

JR: Relaxing

AC: Favorite song on your IPOD?

JR: Maybe by Will Downing

AC: Favorite Vacaction Spot?

JR: Montego Bay

AC: Job you would like to have if you weren't in coaching?

JR: A chef

AC: One thing you want your athletes to know about you?

JR: I once had an afro

AC: Favorite thing to watch on TV?

JR: SportsCenter and CSI

AC: First thing you do after a meet?

JR: Eat