The Kansas Cross-Country and Track and Field Coaches Association named Grant Thierolf as 2009 3A coach of the year Jan. 9 at the 2010 KCCTRCA Track and Field Clinic luncheon in Junction City.

Thierolf commended the work of his coaches — Deanna Thierolf, Rex Wilson, Dick Schwartz, Charlotte Waner, Ann Leppke, Jerry Smith, and Jill Hudson — for their assistance during the 2009 season.

“It’s a nice honor and speaks volumes about the coaching staff that we have. They all have different specialties and they take coaching very seriously, but not so serious that we can’t find time to have a lot of fun,” Thierolf said.

“We look forward to a new season with some great athletes and a couple of new coaches.  Jeff McMillan and Michael Ayers will join us and we look forward to another fantastic season with some great kids.”