Coach King has become a guiding force for our cross-country program, using his personal experience to help students on and off the course.

King’s journey into coaching started unexpectedly. After running cross country in high school, he joined the Renton staff and was asked by longtime coach Mr. Winmill to help drive vans to away meets. His small role turned into a full coaching career. King was an assistant for several years before he and Winmill swapped roles, with King stepping up as head coach while Winmill took on a supporting role.

For King, coaching is about more than competition; it’s about growth. “I want kids to enjoy the sport and see themselves improving,” he said in an interview. “Whether they want to make it to state or just improve their times, it is for anyone wanting to improve themselves.”

Coach King has many values, like loyalty, dedication, and perseverance, reminding his athletes of the importance of finishing what they start. His training approach mixes endurance and speed in a balanced schedule; also, recovery days are important, so the athletes do not wear their bodies out.

He says in an interview that there are a lot of different types of motivation, but most are motivated by seeing their PR drop. Some athletes are driven by chasing personal records, others are motivated by the excitement of competing against rivals and other opponents, and some by traditions like the team’s favorite stop at Miners in Yakima after the state meet.

Success, in King’s eyes, isn’t measured just by wins and trophies; it’s about progress. “The celebrating of new PRs is always fun to see,” he said. Ultimately, his long-term goal is to grow the program and create a culture where every student feels like they belong. “You do not have to be state-caliber to be a runner. Anyone who wants to hit the trail or course with us is a runner.”

Coach King helps coach and develop a new generation of runners by reminding them that self-improvement is just as important as crossing the finish line.