The Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (MTCCCA) held its annual clinic and awards dinner in Columbia in December. MTCCCA hands out various awards, including Coach of the Year honors. Coach of the Year awards were handed out in each gender and class for cross country and track and field. The awards go to the member head coach of the top finishing team at the state meets.
Samer Zoughaib, Valle Catholic (Ste. Genevieve)
Coach Samer Zoughaib's 2022 girls' track and field squad continued Valle Catholic's recent state meet success. The Lady Warriors from Ste. Genevieve racked up 41 points to take 2nd at the Class 1 state track and field meet in May. Valle Catholic shined in the long sprints, and middle and distance events to take runner-up, just 5 points behind winner Drexel. Valle was led by Samantha Loida, Camryn Basler, and Madelyn Griffard. The Lady Warriors were 2nd in the 4x800 and Loida won the 800-meters.
Matt Keraus, North Platte (Dearborn)
The North Platte Lady Panthers owned the 2022 Class 2 state track and field meet, earning Matt Keraus Coach of the Year honors. A year after scoring 58 points and taking 2nd to STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley, North Platte claimed the top prize. The Panthers dominated the sprints and sprint relays to total 71 points, for a 23-point victory. North Platte won the 4x100 and 4x200 while taking 2nd in the 4x400. Junior Olivia Rogers won the 100 and 200 as the Panthers racked up 37 points in the 100, 200, and 400-meter dashes.