All things come to an end, and a coaching career is no different. With the old Eagle High track and field coach Greg Harm retiring after a distinguished career, the program had to look in a new direction for coaching. The candidate was Matt McLaughlin (usually referred to as coach Matt).
Coach Matt is a strong believer in putting in the work. This can be seen with the serious practice and conditioning in the preseason practices that are currently taking place. Since coach Matt has taken over the program, he has seen much success and is beloved by many of his athletes.
“He is a great athlete and competitor, so he truly understands what it is like to be one of his athletes. This extra support and understanding really helps us get better at our individual events,” said senior Sawyer Granof.
Granof is a team captain sprinter on the team this year.
Although a new head coach is a big change, the program retained the cross-country coach as well as track and field distance coach Nick Hampton. Coach Hampton is a truly cherished coach who understands the science of training Eagle High athletes to the highest standards. Eagle High has also added someone who is most likely a familiar face around the halls or in a classroom, Coach Stephen Pratt who is also a well-respected teacher here is Eagle High.
“I’ve been doing track for four years. I love the new coaching staff; they are very detail orientated and thought out. Coach Matt has a very well thought out plan. He is a triathlete, so he understands the needs of an athlete and is very knowledgeable on a lot of events,” said senior Thomas Priegel.
Other coaches that are going to be coaching this upcoming season include AJ Morgan a mid-distance coach (800-1600 meters), Casey Senethavilay a short sprints (100-200 meters) & relays coach, Tori Sloan a high jump coach, Lindsey Sommer-Phillips a long jump and triple jump coach, J Kai Yamafuji a pole vault coach, Keegan Utter a javelin and discuss coach, and Jaycob Atencio a shot put and discus coach. The new Eagle High coaching staff is the only coaching staff for track and field in the Treasure Valley to have all competed in a collegiate sport.
“At first when I found out that coach Harm was retiring, I was a little sad, but then I became very excited for the new look at the program,” said senior Colin New
As the days count down to the start of the 2025 track and field season, the entire coaching staff and athletes wait in anticipation and excitement to make a statement in competition.