GJHS has recently hired Dustin Giesenhagen as the new track and field coach. Giesenhagen, a science teacher at Valley School, was very excited to hear of the opening.

Gissenhagen was a cross country and track assistant coach for four years in Wyoming. He was a three season athlete in high school and was involved in some college track events. In high school track, Giesenhagen hurtled, threw discus, triple jumped and ran the four by one-hundred-meter relay.

“I kind of have a love for all of the events,” said Giesenhagen. “I just love working with body kinetics and just trying to find ways to make people more efficient.”

Coach Giesenhagen hopes to continue one of previous coach, Sean Henry’s goals, of creating a larger team.

“Looking at how big the schools are, I really want to increase our numbers. I’m excited to get to throw in some of my expertise and enthusiasm and increase our numbers and have more athletes try more events,” said Giesenhagen.

Last year, Grand Junction had a fair number of sprinters, but greatly lacked numbers in all other events. This could have been a disadvantage and may have caused GJHS to earn less points at meets.

Many of Grand Junction High Schools best athletes from last year, were seniors and have graduated. To have a well-rounded coach should help GJHS improve in all events.

The track team also hired Karis Scroggs as a new distance coach. Scroggs is a senior at CMU and is a Nordic skier and cross country runner.

“To me it’s the most pure sport that there is, it’s just a true test of human ability,” said Giesenhagen. Having fresh and excited coaches will hopefully bring GJHS track team a year of success.