From Rival Sidelines to Lane 8: The Hinkhouse Coaching Journey

By,

Phil Turner, Reedsburg Features Editor

In the world of competitive high school sports, "Lane 8" is usually just the outside track. But for RAHS girls and boys head track coaches Annie and Brett Hinkhouse, it is the place where their professional and personal lives crossed the finish line together.

Long before they led a team of over 100 RAHS student-athletes, the Hinkhouses were competitors. For nine years, they coached at rival schools across Wisconsin and Colorado.

"We met at a track meet in Canon City, Colorado," Brett said. "We exchanged numbers and stayed in touch for three years." The track remained central to their story; they eventually got engaged at that very same meet—the Blossom City Invitational—while standing right in Lane 8.

Starting March 8 at 3:30, the Hinkhouses will embark on yet another season of track and field as their Beaver athletes begin official practices.

Brett Hinkhouse proposing to Annie in Lane 8 of the Blossom City Invitational

Photo courtesy of Brett and Annie Hinkhouse

A Shared Philosophy

While they spent years coaching rival teams, Brett and Annie said they always found ways to support one another. Still, It wasn’t until 2017 that they finally secured teaching jobs in Reedsburg, which allowed them to coach alongside each other for the first time.

"We had a good time coaching against each other, but even more fun coaching with each other," Annie said.

The transition was smooth because their philosophies were already in sync. After they "picked the brains" of elite coaches across various levels, they developed a joint approach focused on high school excellence.

"We believe in keeping kids 80% in shape and 100% healthy," said Annie, a RAHS graduate of 2001 who excelled in track as a 200-400 meter specialist, noting that they encourage every student to become a "scholar" of their specific event.

The Student Perspective

The Hinkhouses' background as collegiate athletes—Annie in the heptathlon at UW-La Crosse and Brett in hurdles at Adams State—is a major asset for their athletes today.

"I enjoy their coaching because they were both previous track athletes in college, so they are able to coach based off of their previous experiences," Leah Mathews ‘27 said. Mathews, who is also Annie’s niece, said that having a family member as a coach adds a "deeper personal aspect" and a "very strong support system."

Grant Weber, another RAHS athlete, agreed that their expertise makes a difference. "They know what they are talking about and are really patient and helpful coaches," Weber said. He said that the environment they create makes track a season to anticipate. "They’ve made track a really fun and enjoyable sport that I really look forward to," he said.

"Talking Shop" at the Dinner Table

For many couples, leaving work at the office is a golden rule. For the Hinkhouses, however, the track is part of the family.

"We talk 'shop' all the time," Annie said. "We are totally guilty of not separating home and track." With siblings, parents, and even nieces and nephews involved in the sport, dinner conversations often revolve around relay splits and meet strategy.

Still, they make a conscious effort to finish the most serious business before they walk through their front door. "We do try to get as much of the serious shop talk done at the track and before we get home so our kids can get our full attention," Brett said.

Complementary Superpowers

The duo’s success stems from how their individual strengths complement one another during the heat of a meet.

• Annie’s Superpower: Brett said he admires Annie’s ability to stay ahead of the game. "Annie is always thinking of the next thing before it happens," he said. He also said he relies on her relentless positivity, regardless of freezing Wisconsin rain or shifting athlete attitudes.

• Brett’s Superpower: Annie said Brett’s greatest strength is his ability to motivate. "His superpower is pumping up athletes before and after their events," she said, and noted he is the "G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time) when it comes to post-meet speeches.

This combination of preparation and motivation resonates with the team. "The thing I enjoy the most is that they care a lot about each and every one of their athletes and always make sure to show that," Mathews said. Weber said there is also a practical perk to their coaching style. "They make practice and meets really fun and we always have food," he said.

Building a Legacy in Reedsburg

Reflecting on their time at RAHS, the 2021 season stands out as a defining experience. Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the team returned to a season of perfect weather and high spirits.

"Everyone was in a good mood all the time," Annie said. "We didn’t have to worry about weather for once and it made for such easy training conditions."

Between the two of them, the Hinkhouses have coached state and national champions, but they say the real reward is seeing how athletic success transfers into the "outside world." For students like Mathews, that impact is felt in the classroom as well. "They have impacted me by making me a better student and track athlete," she said.

As they look toward the future of the program, their goals remain clear: provide a positive environment, foster a sense of belonging, and, as Annie said, make "Reedsburg Track & Field known in the state."

After a decade of coaching against each other, Brett said he is happy with how things have turned out. "It took a long while," he said, "but we won’t be going against each other ever again.