TJ Blackhurst is in his 11th year as Head Coach of the cross-country team at Rye High School. In addition to cross country, Blackhurst will be coaching the girl’s basketball team this year.
The boy’s cross-country team has nine members this season. One senior is on the team along with one junior, two sophomores and five freshmen. The girls’ team has a pair of juniors, three sophomores and one freshman.
“We have some really tough teams at the top of our region,” shared Blackhurst. “But I feel we have a decent chance of finishing in the top four and going to state.”
Toughest for the boys will be St. Marys’ and Rocky Ford. The girls will face their stiffest competition from Centauri.
Blackhurst sees his coaching philosophy as a combination of hard work and fun. “We like to work hard and have lots of fun,” he stated. “: It’s a very tough sport but we try to make everything else around it a lot of fun for everyone. We have another great group of kids this year.”
When Blackhurst isn’t coaching or teaching he loves the outdoors and enjoys hunting and fly fishing whenever he gets the opportunity.
“I just can’t say enough positive things about the kids,” he summarized. “We have outstanding kids.”
Ming Tam and Hailey George are managers for the 2A member of the Santa Fe League