Hugoton High School head cross country coach Nick Rodriguez is going to have to clear some more space on his mantle for yet another accolade. This one comes from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association and recognizes “Coach Rod” as the 2016 Girls’ High School Coach of the Year for the State of Kansas.

The honor is based upon the performance of the Hugoton High School cross country team during the 2016 season. The award is in recognition of the hard work and dedication of the student athletes, the coaching staff and the administration of the Hugoton High School.

Nick Rodriguez has been head of the cross country and track and field programs at Hugoton High School since beginning his coaching career in 1995 and boasts 20 State appearances. He has coached 22 boys’ and girls’ teams at State. Out of those 22 teams, 21 have finished in the Top Ten at the State meet. The HHS cross country team won trophies in 1999, 2003, 2010, 2011 and 2015, as well as double 3A State Championships in 2016. “Rod” has also been recognized as the KCCTFCA Class 4A Boys’ Coach of the Year in 2010, KCCTFA Class 3A Girls’ Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2016 Garden City Telegram All Area Coach of the Year.

Mr. Rodriguez teaches U.S. History, Government and Economics at the high school. He is married to Lori and the couple has four children: Kara, age 17; Hannah, age 15; and twins Joshua and Alyssa, age 11.

The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, or USTFCCCA, is a non-profit professional organization representing cross country and track and field coaches of all levels. The organization represents over 9000 coaching members encompassing NCAA track and field and cross country programs of all divisions: the NAIA, the NJCAA and a number of state high school track & field/cross country coaches associations. The USTFCCCA serves as an advocate for cross country and track and field coaches, providing a leadership structure to assist the needs of a diverse membership, serving as a lobbyist for coaches’ interest, and working as a liaison between the various stakeholders in the sports of cross country and track and field.

The USTFCCCA is proud to award the well-deserved recognition to Mr. Rodriguez, the HHS cross country program and Hugoton High School.

Congratulations Coach Rodriguez!!!