McLatchies Guided Summit To 12 Oregon State Titles And 2018 National Championship

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Carol and Jim McLatchie, the wife-and-husband coaching team that led the Summit girls of Bend, Ore. to the 2018 Nike Cross Nationals title, have left their roles with the cross country team. 

Carol McLatchie, the head coach for the past eight years, won 12 OSAA state championships -- eight girls team titles and four for the boys -- one of the most successful runs in state history. 

Jim McLatchie, who wrote the workouts and shaped the training, suffered a stroke in the midst of the 2018 season and will turn 79 this year. 

"It's a good time for us to step away from year-round coaching," Carol said. "I am stepping down as head coach and it’s never ending duties/details. We still have lots of energy and want to be involved with kids."

Kari Strang, an assistant coach at Summit who has also been instrumental in the Central Oregon Running Klub (CORK), has been hired as the new coach. 

"Jim and Carol did a tremendous job coaching cross country," Strang said. "I've learned a lot from them and I appreciate everything they've done at Summit."

SECRETS TO SUCCESS INTERVIEW - CAROL McLATCHIE

The McLatchies will continue coaching the Summit distance runners during the spring track season. They have also offered to help in the fall. 

Carol administered the Summit program while also filling a role with USATF, working on the development and support of women's distance athletes. She also officiates USATF Junior Olympic events and will work at the Olympic Trials in Eugene.

Jim has finished writing a memoir, which he expects to publish later this year, titled "From The Coal Mine To The Finish Line." It charts his early life in Scotland to his running achievements and career in the U.S. 

Summit's victory at NXN in 2018 and runner-up finish in 2019 served as testaments to the McLatchies' expertise and represent a high water mark for high school cross country in Oregon. 

Strang has been an integral part of the Bend running community and worked with kids, teens and adults in the area. 

"Stepping into this role, which is so visible, comes with high expectations," Strang said. "For me, this goes beyond state and national titles. We have more than 100 kids in the program, and I'm excited to make sure all these kids have the best experience they can have." 

The Summit girls were ranked US#1 for the duration of the 2019 season after returning all seven members of the 2018 lineup. The Storm (Central Oregon at NXN) won the Northwest regional title but finished second to a young, fast-rising team from Saratoga Springs NY at nationals. 

Four of the team's NXN scorers -- Teaghan Knox, Barrett Justema, Magdalene Williams and Jasper Fievet -- are eligible to return in 2020.