Matthew Campbell to take over as new Cyclones Cross Country Coach

Published 1:12 pm Friday, July 21, 2023

By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

The Cyclones will look to a familiar face to step into the role of Head Coach for the Cross Country team for the 2023-2024 school year. Coach Matthew Campbell began as an Elizabethton Cyclone in 2019 and has served as an assistant coach for both Football and Track & Field. His interest and knowledge of the sport comes from working with Coach Mark Newman and Jim Presnell in Track and Field. This will be his ninth year in teaching and coaching. Coming from a family of coaches, including his brother, father, and grandfather, he is honored to continue the tradition of helping athletes reach their goals. A firm believer in hard work and dedication, Coach Campbell uses the same philosophy in coaching as he does teach, “Any student who works diligently is sure to succeed!” Campbell exclaimed.

Looking forward to a great year with many returning seniors Coach Campbell says he is excited to be working with a great team of athletes. “I know I will have plenty of help with Coach Presnell and Coach Newman; it is just an exciting time, last year our girls and boys were at State and the boys were invited to Woodbridge Classic in California,” Coach Campbell shared. Campbell also can take reassurance in a strong returning class “the boys didn’t lose any seniors and the girls will also be strong with a lot of leadership in Riley Vernon, Max Garner, Alex Laughtner, Brian Presley and on the girl’s side we will be looking towards Lyndie Simerly” Campbell shared.

Coach Campbell has already started to challenge his squad with two-a-day runs; “these kids are always ready to work with a smile on their faces. I just wanted to see if we could push this group a little more than they are used to,” Campbell shared. Coach Campbell has 23 kids in place right now and is confident that number will rise once school starts. Campbell is quick to acknowledge just how supportive the community has been with this program as well, “to be honest, when we decided to go to California we had about two weeks to raise the money and the community just showed up big for us..the parents and kids went around and asked and in two weeks we had gone past our goal. The Elizabethton community is great! The Cyclones will kick off their season with an opening meet at the Pioneer Clash of Classes in Boone, NC on August 19.