A former Allen County-Scottsville High School (AC-SHS) cross country runner has been selected to lead the cross country teams this fall. Carl Bechtold takes over a program seeking to rebuild a traditionally strong sport at AC-SHS dating back to the late 1980s.
Bechtold was very familiar with the cross country program growing up in the community. In the early years, runners like Chris Young and Marci Logan found success at the state levels. Over the next three decades, numerous runners carried the tradition forward and found regional and state success.
“I ran cross country back in 2003 and 2004 before I graduated in 2005,” Bechtold explained. “I then went into the US Army for 10 years and then moved back home. I’m married to Ali and we have three kids.”
The new coach shared his desire to get involved with the sport once again after settling down and starting a family in the community.
“I wanted to get back closer to cross country for a few years,” Bechtold admitted. “When I saw the (job) posting, it just felt like the right time to get into it and help the team.”
Bechtold replaces Maggie Calvert who stepped aside in late spring. He admits that the timing of the official hire puts his program a little behind in preparation for the season. Still, Bechtold feels his runners should be able to get going rather quickly.
“We are a month behind but we will get going pretty quick,” Bechtold noted. “We will meet with the team by Friday to see where everyone is at. Hopefully, they have been running on their own. We will get into it pretty quick.”
Having watched the cross country program over the years, Bechtold knows and understands the tradition---a tradition he hoped to take to a next level.
“The cross country program is a storied program in the school’s history,” Bechtold said. “When I was coming up I was in middle school when Chris Young won five state championships. I saw that. I don’t know where we are going to be right now but we want to add on to that tradition.”
Student-athletes who ran cross country in the past or are interested in participating this season should listen for school announcements and/or check the high school’s Facebook page for meeting information. Athletics can also contact AC-SH Athletic Director Brad Hood by email for more information. Participants must have a current KHSAA physical form on fill to practice or tryout.