Coaches

Coach Dusty joined the U-PREP HS Cross Country family in fall of 2021. Although new to the coaching staff he has been a supporter of the program for years and brings a ton of experience to our team both as a former collegiate athlete and coach. Coach Dusty has spent over 25 years coaching youth, high school, collegiate and post-collegiate athletes from beginner to national qualifiers. 

When asked, Why Cross Country, Dusty's response was "very simple - running changes lives. The sport of running has a longevity in life that no other sport offers. The running community exists everywhere and all are welcome to it no matter how new or how experienced. I got my start as a Freshman in high school and running has been a part of my life ever since, the best part. My goal is  that our program can be that same catalyst for hundreds if not thousands of kids"

Coaching Roles

Head Coach Cross Country - University Preparatory School
Founder/Head Coach - Delta Hawks Youth Racing
Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach - Humboldt State University
Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach - Shasta College
Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach - Butte College
Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach - Central Valley  High School

Coach Sara joined the UPREP HS Cross Country team in the fall of 2023.  Becoming a coach was a converge of Coach Sara’s love of running, getting certified as a coach through RRCA and working with kids for years in various ways. 

She began her own running career in 2017 and has since ran 5 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2023.

Coach Sara loves to help create a sense of community in all her leadership roles and the running community is one of her favorites. She sees this as a vital aspect of the XC team and feels privileged to help foster this amongst the athletes. 

When asked why Cross Country, Coach Sara’s response was “Running is such a healthy way to work out stress, gain some fitness and have a sense of belonging to something. Cross Country is the perfect place for kids to experience all of those things under the leadership of coaches who care about them as people first and athletes second. 

Coaching Roles

Assistant Coach HS Cross Country
- University Preparatory School