Our organization would not exist without the dedication of our awesome coaches! 
We are so blessed to have such a fine group of Christian men and women who are willing to invest their time and talents in the encouragement of our young athletes.  All coaches have background checks and follow Safesport guidelines and head coaches have both National Coaching and USATF certification.

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2021-2022 AUSTIN CHAMPIONS COACHES

CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK & FIELD

The Austin Champions began their inaugural season with the  

2018 XC campaign by Coaches Joy and Jay Hilscher and Coach Sabrina Uriegas

Coaches Joy & Jay were both high school middle distance and distance running standouts, collegiate All-Americans in XC and Track, and continued competitive running for a bit after graduation.  Now, they are co-race directors for The Texas Independence Relay. Though Joy and Jay enjoyed racing and competing, both will unreservedly say that relationships and lessons through running that they've had (and continue to receive) are truly a gift from Above.  Between them they have 25 years of coaching experience.  They are blessed with 7 children, (aged 3-25!) many of whom have run competitively and have been homeschooling over 20 years, while also having done public and private school (and everything in between!).  They attend Hill Country Bible Church.

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  John Rivers has been running for nine years. He is 19, the second oldest of six kids, and passionate about helping others. Since he started racing in 2013, John has competed in numerous 5ks and 10ks, five road half-marathons, and three full marathons. While he may not be racing in the near future, he is excited to help others achieve their goals. 

 

  Matt Manly:  Matt was an outstanding high school athlete who competed at Cedar Park High School when the school had a highly competitive high school program.  He joined the Austin Champions coaching staff in 2020 to help coach both cross-country and track.  Prior to coaching with the Champions, he spent six years coaching both cross-country and track with the Austin Royals.  As a competitor, he was a four-year letter winner in cross-country and track at Texas Christian University.