Hey there!  I’m Coach Andrew, Head Coach at Newhart Middle School for the 2023-2024 season.  This is my 5th season coaching with WeROCK and 4th as Head Coach of Newhart.  I love coaching and spending time with these amazing kiddos.  Getting to know each of these kids, learning what they’re about and helping them see and achieve their goals is what I enjoy most about being part of the program.

What’s my history with WeROCK?

My son, Brian, ran as a first timer / 8th grader five years ago.  Before starting with WeROCK, he had never run farther than the PE mile and never considered himself a runner.  Only a few months into the season, his PE mile times went sub-7, then sub-6.  He was getting recognized by his peers as a runner and his self-esteem skyrocketed.  I tried to come to as many Saturday practices and races as possible, getting to know the other runners so I could cheer them on and watch their transformations, as well.  When the season was over, I knew that I wanted to offer my time to coach and be around these kids next year, even though my own child wouldn’t be part of the program.  I want to continue giving back to future groups of runners what the coaches and program gave to my son.

It’s always fun to hear a coach’s race history!

I was never really a big runner when I joined WeROCK.  I’d run a couple of half marathons a decade earlier but stayed active playing basketball and hiking.  But now I proudly hang my bibs, race medals, and consider myself a full-fledged member of the running community.  I’ve completed 4 marathons, dozens of half marathons and above distances and even completed the Goggins Challenge (4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 straight hours).

Favorite WeROCK race

I really love the Citrus Heritage half marathon.  It’s really cool going through the orange groves and some of my personal best times have come at this race.  It’s also a huge step up for the kids when their previous longest race to that point was a 10K, so everyone leaves feeling pumped up and prepared for the 2nd half of the season and all the miles that lay ahead.