Flathead High School girls cross country coach Jesse Rumsey has been tabbed to lead both the boys and girls programs starting in 2018, the school announced on Dec. 20.
Rumsey, a former cross country runner for the Bravettes under legendary head coach Paul Jorgenson, has been coaching at her alma mater since 2007. She was an assistant from 2007-13 before assuming head coaching duties for the girls program in 2014. Jorgenson has remained the boys’ head coach since that time, but announced in November that he would retire following the 2018 track and field season.
In a press release, Flathead Activities Director Bryce Wilson stated “(Rumsey) is passionate about kids and running; she has a strong desire to continue the Flathead cross country programs’ success.”
Jorgenson is the most decorated cross country coach in Montana history, winning 24 team state championships and mentoring 22 individual state titlists during a 45-year head coaching career. His pupils included Zoe Nelson, who won a Foot Locker national championship in 2002. Flathead’s most recent team titles came in 2004 (girls) and 2005 (boys).
In addition to her coaching duties, Rumsey teaches business classes at Flathead.