An Iron Range native from Chisholm, Minnesota, Breitbarth graduated from Concordia with a social studies degree in 1998. Later that year, the standout cross country and track & field runner would be named Concordia’s head cross country and assistant track & field coach, a position he still holds in 2021.
While he was named head coach of the Comets after dominating the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), he would be immediately transitioning the program to the Northern Sun (NSIC) and NCAA Division II ranks within months of his new position.
The 1996 UMAC runner-up individual finisher led the Comets to a team conference title, and his multiple events on the 1997 track & field team helped the Comets to a UMAC indoor track & field championship, as well.
Just a few years later, he had the Golden Bears on the NSIC map, leading the women to a second place finish at the 2000 NSIC Cross Country Championships before the men placed third in 2001, leading to Breitbarth being named the 2001 NSIC Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.
His leadership is currently being utilized at the national level on the NCAA Coaches Connection Committee for the sport of cross country.
His impact at Concordia transcends athletics, and it always has. Breitbarth has served CSP as a full time professional in a variety of ways in his 23 years with the University, the past 17 as Director of Computer Services in addition to his coaching responsibilities. He has also worked in the CSP IT department as Help Desk Coordinator, Network Administrator and is currently a member of the campus strategic planning team and has overseen numerous IT infrastructure projects.
He has had the opportunity to serve the LCMS in the planning of several national LCMS youth gatherings, working with several hundred volunteers in the training and placement of volunteers during the triennial youth event. Additionally, he has served as a Board of Ministry member at Living Christ Lutheran Church in Chanhassen for the last 15 years.
Now a Bloomington resident, Jonathan and his wife, Heidi, were married in 2004 and have three children: Reese (12), Liv (10) and Truly (6).
Career Awards
- 1997 CSP Chiapuzio Award Winner (Best Christian Values)
- 1997 CSP Male Athlete of the Year finalist
- 1997 NAIA Track & Field National Qualifier, 4x800m relay (16th)
- 1996 NAIA Cross Country National Qualifier, highest-ever CSP finish (144th)
- 1996 NAIA All-Great Plains Region Cross Country Team
- 1997 Three-time UMAC Champion (800m, 4x800m relay, 4x400m relay)
- 1996 UMAC Cross Country Championship individual runner-up
- 1995 Upper Midwest Small College Cross Country Championships individual champion
- 1995 All-Concordia Invitational Tournament (CIT) cross country
CSP Records
- 800m run, indoor
- 4x400m relay, indoor
- 4x800m relay, indoor
- Sprint Medley relay, indoor
- 800m run, outdoor
- 1500m run, outdoor
- Sprint Medley relay, outdoor
