- Henry M. Jackson High School
- Track and Field
Track & Field - Cross Country
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Track & Field Coaches
Head Boys Coach: Eric Hruschka
Born in Arcadia, California, home of the best high school track meet in the world! We moved to Washington when I was two years old and lived in Snohomish County until I graduated from Lynnwood HS in 1984.
I ran my first 5k in 7th grade and finished in less than 19 minutes and knew I had to run but was hooked on soccer. Luckily I had great high school coaches that encouraged me to pursue excellence in distance running and helped guide me through the tough times of high school. By my senior year I knew I should go into coaching and wanted to but was advised by my counselors and teachers that I should look for something that makes more money.
After college, I had the opportunity to come back and coach at my alma mater and learn the art of coaching in a comfortable apprenticeship. I knew then it was not about the money but about doing the things we enjoy doing and being happy every day going to work.
I have been coached by some great coaches in college and high school. I feel I have blended the things the kids liked from most of them with my personality. I try to make running Track and Cross Country fun but always look for ways to teach the athletes in our program the life lessons I learned while participating in sports.
Head Girls Coach: Steve Till
Born in Wilmington, Delaware and moved to Federal Way, WA the summer before third grade. I graduated from Decatur High School in 1988.
I first participated in Track and Field in a summer Junior Olympic track program the summer before 4th grade. The main things I remember from that experience were getting sunburned and thinking that a 400 was an extremely long distance to run. After pitching a no-hitter in little league baseball a few years later, participating in Track didn't cross my mind until junior high. My dad and my basketball coach talked me in to turning out for Track in 8th grade after I got cut from the junior high school baseball team. It took me little time to realize that Track was a big blessing in disguise. The lessons learned as a Track athlete proved to be among the best of my junior and high school experiences and they helped lay a foundation for many of my future endeavors.
Assistant Coach (Throws)
Ryan SimmonsBorn in Seattle, Washington; moved to Everett in 1976
I've competed in a number of sports in my life, earning letters in Wrestling, Tennis and Track at Everett HS. Following graduation, I worked as a volunteer throws coach at Evergreen MS where my brothers competed. I spent 4 years as a throws coach before leaving to complete my degree. I returned to the Evergreen MS track team last season after spending 3 years coaching soccer for Mariner HS.
In addition to coaching track at Jackson High School I am the Freshman Football coach in the fall.
Assistant Coach (Distance):
Pat HallerPersonal
- Grew up in Lynnwood, Washington
- Currently lives in Wallingford, WA
- Two children (Kelsey 10 and Miler 8)
High School Athletics
- Attended Lynnwood High School
- Ran Track 4 years and Cross Country 4 years
- HS PR's: 4:10 for Mile & 9:02 for 3200m
- 5 Time STATE CHAMPION ( 2 x 3200m, 1600m, and 2 x Cross Country)
- Many time WESCO and NW District Champion
- Senior Year HS All-American Track and Cross County