Application Deadline: May 6, 2026
Position Start: Summer 2026
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and mission-driven individual to serve as the Head Varsity Cross Country Coach for our boys and girls programs. This position is an opportunity to lead a tradition-rich program while shaping the lives of student-athletes both on and off the course.
Position Overview
The Head Varsity Cross Country Coach is responsible for leading and developing a competitive, faith-centered program that emphasizes excellence in athletics, academics, and character. The ideal candidate is, first and foremost, a strong leader for our young men and women—someone
who establishes high standards, demands accountability, and consistently inspires student-athletes to reach their full potential.
This individual must be committed to building and sustaining a successful program while developing individual talent. They will foster spiritual growth, promote academic achievement, and guide student-athletes in becoming disciplined, responsible, and faith-filled young men and women.
Key Responsibilities
-Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the entire cross country program (varsity and sub-varsity levels)
-Develop and implement a comprehensive training program focused on individual and team success
-Establish and maintain a positive, disciplined, and competitive team culture
-Serve as a role model of integrity, sportsmanship, and professionalism
-Support the mission and Catholic identity of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School
-Foster spiritual development and incorporate faith-based values into the program
-Promote academic success and monitor student-athlete academic progress
-Organize and conduct effective practices, meets, and off-season training programs
-Supervise and mentor assistant coaches
-Develop long-term program growth, including youth and feeder program engagement
-Communicate effectively with student-athletes, parents, administration, and staff
-Be able to set-up a course and run a Cross Country meet and invite
-Ensure compliance with school, conference, and MHSAA rules and regulations
-Manage team logistics, including scheduling, transportation, equipment, and budgeting
-Promote the program within the school and community
-Encourage multi-sport participation and collaborate with other athletic programs
-Maintain accurate records, statistics, and program history
-Provide a safe and inclusive environment for all student-athletes
Qualifications
-Previous coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level preferred
-Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop student-athletes
-Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
-Commitment to the values and mission of Catholic education
-Knowledge of cross country training principles and program development
-Ability to build and sustain a competitive and positive team culture
-CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
-Must meet all MHSAA and school coaching requirements
-Availability for practices, competitions, and off-season responsibilities
Preferred Attributes
-Experience building or growing an athletic program
-Background in distance running or track and field
-Ability to connect with and motivate high school student-athletes
-Strong emphasis on character development and leadership
-Willingness to be actively involved in the school community
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Mike Jacob, Athletic Director at Catholic Central High School – [email protected]
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is committed to developing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and seeks a coach who will embrace and advance that mission through the cross country program.
Position Start: Summer 2026
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and mission-driven individual to serve as the Head Varsity Cross Country Coach for our boys and girls programs. This position is an opportunity to lead a tradition-rich program while shaping the lives of student-athletes both on and off the course.
Position Overview
The Head Varsity Cross Country Coach is responsible for leading and developing a competitive, faith-centered program that emphasizes excellence in athletics, academics, and character. The ideal candidate is, first and foremost, a strong leader for our young men and women—someone
who establishes high standards, demands accountability, and consistently inspires student-athletes to reach their full potential.
This individual must be committed to building and sustaining a successful program while developing individual talent. They will foster spiritual growth, promote academic achievement, and guide student-athletes in becoming disciplined, responsible, and faith-filled young men and women.
Key Responsibilities
-Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the entire cross country program (varsity and sub-varsity levels)
-Develop and implement a comprehensive training program focused on individual and team success
-Establish and maintain a positive, disciplined, and competitive team culture
-Serve as a role model of integrity, sportsmanship, and professionalism
-Support the mission and Catholic identity of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School
-Foster spiritual development and incorporate faith-based values into the program
-Promote academic success and monitor student-athlete academic progress
-Organize and conduct effective practices, meets, and off-season training programs
-Supervise and mentor assistant coaches
-Develop long-term program growth, including youth and feeder program engagement
-Communicate effectively with student-athletes, parents, administration, and staff
-Be able to set-up a course and run a Cross Country meet and invite
-Ensure compliance with school, conference, and MHSAA rules and regulations
-Manage team logistics, including scheduling, transportation, equipment, and budgeting
-Promote the program within the school and community
-Encourage multi-sport participation and collaborate with other athletic programs
-Maintain accurate records, statistics, and program history
-Provide a safe and inclusive environment for all student-athletes
Qualifications
-Previous coaching experience at the high school or collegiate level preferred
-Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop student-athletes
-Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
-Commitment to the values and mission of Catholic education
-Knowledge of cross country training principles and program development
-Ability to build and sustain a competitive and positive team culture
-CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
-Must meet all MHSAA and school coaching requirements
-Availability for practices, competitions, and off-season responsibilities
Preferred Attributes
-Experience building or growing an athletic program
-Background in distance running or track and field
-Ability to connect with and motivate high school student-athletes
-Strong emphasis on character development and leadership
-Willingness to be actively involved in the school community
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Mike Jacob, Athletic Director at Catholic Central High School – [email protected]
Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is committed to developing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and seeks a coach who will embrace and advance that mission through the cross country program.