Derek Schulz, the head coach of the Whitefish High School track and field program, was named coach of the year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.
Schulz has coached at Whitefish for 21 years and guided his teams to seven state championships in 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2013. He’s also guided the program to 11 division titles.
Schulz was named coach of the year at the NHSACA conference in Illinois this month.
“He’s very deserving of that honor and I couldn’t be more proud of him and the Whitefish track program,” activities director Aric Harris said.
“He fosters great relationships with all of our kids and you look at the track numbers — about 80 to 100-plus kids participating every year — and it’s because they want to be involved in something special and that atmosphere and environment he and his staff creates. It’s something special everybody wants to be part of.”
Harris said Schulz is a positive influence who constantly inspires and encourages student-athletes.
“It’s always been a team-first mentality and there’s always a sport for everybody on the team,” Harris said. “He loves to see kids come out and be part of something special.”