New track coach already making plans

Nik Goertzen is no stranger to the sport of track and field, but he will be entering a new chapter in his experience as he takes over the reins as head coach of the Sisters High School program for the 2011 season.

Goertzen replaces Bob Johnson, who coached the Outlaws for a total of 15 years, starting in 1995. Johnson, who coached in California and Oregon for over 42 years in total, is planning to move away from the area to northern Nevada, and enjoy a new phase of life with his wife of 50 years, Barbara.

"Track and field is in my blood, so I will probably try to coach wherever I live, but I felt it was time to step aside as head coach and move on to some new things," said Johnson.

Goertzen appreciates what Johnson has done over the years to make the Outlaws program what it is today.

"I am inheriting a program that has a history of success," he said. "I want to continue to strengthen the number of participants on the team and enhance the level of success for the younger, less experienced junior varsity athletes."

Goertzen served as an assistant last season and has been the head coach for the Outlaws' girls' soccer team for the past four years. The Outlaws' track teams are always among the top of the league and typically qualify a solid number of athletes for the state meet.

Last year, Sisters produced its third state champion long jumper, Annie Mutchler, under Goertzen's tutelage.

"I think that what I did with Annie is what I'd like for all the kids on the team," he said. "I felt that my communication, rapport, common goals, and trust with Annie helped her to achieve her dream."

Goertzen uses his own high school and college career experiences as a middle distance runner when working with high school athletes.

"It takes a lot of hard work, discipline, mental toughness, and preparation to really be your best," he said. "I think that after a period of time my athletes find that they can believe in what I am teaching and become the best they can be."

A prep state champion for 800 meters, Goertzen feels he knows what it takes to be competitive. With seventeen different events to cover, track and field can be a real challenge as a head coach, and depth on the team is the foundation for success, according to Goertzen.

"Historically, we have had a lot of success with our sprinters, distance runners and jumpers, but even in those events we could use more depth," he said. "We will also build up our throwing squad as best we can."

While Goertzen acknowledges that track and field requires a lot of discipline and hard work, he believes it is also naturally fun for high schoolers.

"I am looking to make the track and field experience a dynamic and successful experience since there is so much for every participant to experience," he said. "If you get 70 or 80 active high school boys and girls together, you're bound to have fun."

Goertzen says he will beat the bushes to find those students who are not involved in a spring sport.

"Track can be looked at as the foundation of all of our other sports," he said. "I want volleyball players, football players, basketball players, wrestlers, and, naturally cross country runners, filling up our team. They will become better athletes in the process and make our team stronger than ever."

No other coaching changes have been announced, so Goertzen looks forward to working with a number of longtime paid and volunteer assistants, including Jim Anderson, Melvin Herberger, Dennis Dempsey, Carlos Garcia, Ken Ruettgers, and Wayne Powell.

While the season doesn't get underway officially until the first practice February 28, Goertzen is already preparing.

"I want to hit the ground running in February," he said. "I am super-excited for the 2011 season."