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Comprehensive mid-season coaching changes are far from the norm in high school sports.
But that's exactly what Rocky Mountain track and field athletes have faced head-on this season.
Ten of the Lobos' 12 coaches (including longtime head coach Jamie Mackenzie) were terminated by Poudre School District for policy violations in late March, leaving a sudden and vast void in the program.
Instead of slumping to the finish line, it's rallied the Rocky competitors together as they continue to excel across the board.
"Our school theme or motto has actually been 'Strength of the Pack' this year," Rocky athletic director Conrad Crist said. "So it's been amazing to watch our track athletes embody that through all this."
Crist, a longtime track and field coach and local staple in the sport, briefly took over as interim coach.
However, he soon passed the interim head coaching baton to Beck Easton, a former Colorado State/Northern Colorado football player and ex-Fossil Ridge track and field coach.
"The list of head track coaches who could jump in was pretty short," Easton said with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm thrilled to be here and help out."
While Easton and a quickly-assembled staff have provided needed stability, the leadership had already come from within to hold the team together through a profound sea change.
It came from seniors like Chet Gorman and Lindsey Kaines. Avry Mackenzie and Nicholas Herms. Standout performers like Nevaeh Winfrey, Khloe Scharf and Caleb Emery.
"The leaders of the team have stayed the same," Gorman said. "There was no big turning point, we just knew what was expected of us and the work we had to put in."
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It's kept Rocky right on track.
In four big varsity meets since the coaching change (Jack Christiansen, Altitude Invite, Lions Classic and the Huskie Twilight), the Lobos have set several school records, won 27 individual events, posted 24 MileSplit "Elite Performances," swept Lions Classic team titles and added two more runner-up girls team finishes.
"Regardless of the situation, we always put our best foot forward at Rocky," Herms said. "We've been getting our message out at every meet that, 'Yes, this happened but we are still strong.' "
A dozen Lobos have top-30 marks in Colorado across 18 events, including four in the top 10.
Winfrey is an elite high jumper and sprinter, setting personal bests in the high jump plus 100, 200 and 400 meters while winning eight individual titles. Meanwhile, Scharf is third in the triple jump and Kaines and Emery are each eighth in the 800.
Avry Mackenzie credited Easton and staff with fostering an ultra-competitive environment but also making space for joy in the sport.
"All of this has made it easier to not take having fun for granted," Avry Mackenzie said. "At least for me, like with all our pole vaulters, this whole experience has gotten us closer than we’ve ever been."
"Beck is a great listener and listens to the team. Everything is a conversation," Winfrey added.
It's helped to have a whole community reach out, whether it's the Rocky Mountain connections or the tight-knit Fort Collins track scene.
Easton and Crist compiled an on-the-fly staff that includes several former Lobos, some ex-CSU athletes, Rocky parents and teachers who volunteered after the coaching upheaval.
The list includes Gabi Morris (formerly McDonald), a multi-time state champion at Rocky and CSU All-American. Also on board is Tyler Borton, once a standout pole vaulter at Ohio State.
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Rocky cross-country coaches John Prasuhn and Andrew Schauer took over the distance runners. Lobo alumnae Caitlyn Lovato and Raegan Marlow have stepped up, along with parents like Liz Delap and teachers like Adrian Flygt.
"People care about this place years after they graduate. A ton of former athletes wanted to help," Easton said.
"I never really understood how impactful it is before I got here, but it's really a testament to Rocky and the 'Lobo Way.' They've done everything they could to give these kids the season they deserve."
Even Easton's wife, Lindsey, is helping out on hurdles as a former CSU track standout and assistant coach.
It's set the stage for a sprint to the finish this spring, with the Northern Conference meet in early May before the Colorado state track and field state championships May 15-17.
The goals are still out there for the Lobos: Run fast, jump high, leap far and have fun, preferably with conference team titles mixed in there. And maybe some spots high atop the podium at state.
"Our goals haven't changed," Gorman said. "It wasn't the best situation but there haven't been any major hitches for us. Just keep doing what we know how to do."
Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Rocky Mountain track & field: Lobos excelling after coaching change
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