The Haines High School track team is looking for a permanent coach as the season ramps up.
Cross-country coach Alixanne Goodman said she stepped up to start track practices about three weeks ago, but isn’t able to coach fulltime.
“The major challenge for them is finding a consistent leader,” Goodman, a Haines alum, said.
Despite having a temporary coach, the team is expected to be strong this year with about half of the 20 athletes also running cross-country in the fall.
“They’ve got such a love of running,” Goodman said. “I haven’t seen a team this passionate since I was in high school.”
Goodman said team members are encouraging others to try the sport, resulting in a young group of underclassman and others who are brand new to track.
“It’s neat to see them recruiting,” Goodman said. “I’m stoked.”
Goodman said several very talented runners have joined the team, including sophomore Siyel George and freshman Mark Davis. The pair had a successful fall season as cross-country runners.
“They’re going to be really successful in the next few years,” Goodman said.
Goodman said she has been helping the team with basic cardio work and easing them into running, even holding practice during last week’s spring break.
The team’s first meet is in Sitka on April 27, followed by meets in Juneau and at home in early May.