Varsity Cross Country - Head Coach

**Position**: Varsity Cross Country Head Coach **Classification**: Seasonal, Honorarium (August-November) **Entity**: Lenawee Christian School **Reports to**: Athletic Director ABOUT US. Lenawee Christian Ministries provides Christ-centered education, spiritual development, and wellness services to the Lenawee County community, centered around Jesus Christ. The ministry is made up of two operating entities: Lenawee Christian School and the Christian Family Centre, located in Adrian, MI. - Lenawee Christian School exists in partnership with the family and church to integrate Biblical truth for life with a commitment to glorifying Jesus Christ through academic excellence and spiritual maturity. - The Christian Family Centre is a world-class fitness and family activity facility that strives to assist families and individuals grow in their physical, social, and spiritual wellness with Jesus Christ being the center. POSITION SUMMARY. The Varsity Cross Country Head Coach provides spiritual, strategic, and operational leadership for the Lenawee Christian School Cross Country program. This role is responsible for developing student-athletes physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually while building a Christ-centered program culture that aligns with the mission and values of Lenawee Christian School. The Head Coach oversees all aspects of the varsity cross country program, including athlete development, practice planning, competition preparation, program growth, offseason development, and collaboration with middle school and youth running programs. The Coach is expected to model Christ-centered leadership, integrity, excellence, and servant-hearted mentorship in all interactions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES. **Program Leadership & Vision** - Cast vision and provide leadership for the continued growth and development of the cross country program. - Build and maintain a Christ-centered team culture focused on character, accountability, discipline, perseverance, and excellence. - Develop and implement a long-term program philosophy that supports athlete development from middle school through varsity competition. - Maximize available school and ministry resources to strengthen the program and student-athlete experience. **Coaching & Athlete Development** - Plan and lead practices focused on endurance development, running mechanics, race strategy, conditioning, injury prevention, and mental preparation. - Develop individualized and team training plans appropriate for athlete ability levels and competitive goals. - Promote healthy training habits, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal responsibility. - Assist student-athletes in recognizing and developing their God-given gifts, talents, and leadership abilities. **Competition & Program Management** - Prepare athletes for meets and postseason competition. - Develop race strategies and competition plans designed to maximize individual and team performance. - Coordinate meet participation, travel logistics, communication, and program operations as assigned. - Ensure compliance with MHSAA regulations, school policies, and athletic department expectations. **Program Culture & Relationship Building** - Foster a positive team atmosphere through effective communication, encouragement, accountability, and mentorship. - Maintain professional and effective communication with students, parents, officials, administration, and coaching staff. - Represent Lenawee Christian School positively within the school community, conference, and broader running community. **Youth Program & Offseason Development** - Support the development of youth and middle school cross country athletes. - Assist with camps, clinics, summer training opportunities, and offseason conditioning programs. - Encourage long-term participation and passion for running and fitness. **Mission Integration** - Regularly incorporate Biblical teaching, mentorship, and spiritual encouragement into the cross country program. - Model Christ-center…