Coach of The Year
Van Porter (E.C. Glass - Distance)
(Pictured Center)
If you want to talk about dominant programs you have to mention the Hilltoppers' distance squad. This group of ladies peaked all at the right time and scored 68 out of the team's 75 points. Those points were enough to win E.C. Glass their second indoor team title ever. The distance squad wasn't done though after sweeping the 1000-1600-3200-and 4x800 at states! At Nationals they finished as All-Americans with a 9:02 clocking which was just fractions of a second off of the Virginia state record.
Van's work was also evident the previous couple seasons with the continued growth of the girls' distance squad and former Foot Locker National qualifier Peter Seufer's consistent rise to the top of our sport.
Many individuals are part of the process in coaching and getting athletes ready for competition. In Van's part of the equation though they are receiving special training and truly excellent coaching. Van is tireless in his work, I personally know this to be true and a true fan of the sport. He spends nearly every second of the day figuring out workouts, competitions and when to race where.
Van winning this award also joins Nansemond River's Justin Byron as a 4A winner of this award.