Coaches

christinesonw@olatheschools.org

Coach Sales became Olathe Northwest's second head coach for the Raven Cross Country team in 2017 after spending the previous eight seasons as the Raven Cross Country assistant coach. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2001 she spent time coaching in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska while beginning her teaching career prior to arriving at Olathe Northwest. Coach Sales also serves as the distance coach as an assistant coach for the Raven track and field team where she has been on staff since 200. In addition to coaching, she serves as the Social Studies department chair, teaching AP U.S. History, other social studies subjects, and AVID.  She is also the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society sponsor. Coach Sales and her husband, Josh, have two children, Chloe (Class of 2026) and Miles (Class of 2029). 

Coach Birkel joined the Raven cross -country team in 2024 as an assistant coach to the Raven's cross-country team. He is a KU graduate, experienced swim coach, and on-and-off runner when the seasons are suitable. Coach Birkel teaches US History, Honors Modern World History, and is the sponsor for the ONW Chess Club.