Mountain Vista cross country coach Jonathan Dalby was recently named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association inaugural Colorado high school cross country coach of the year. He shares the honor with co-recipient Mike Callor of Fort Collins High School.

Both Dalby and Callor are state-champion coaches, as Dalby led the Vista men’s team to a first-place finish this year in the 5A men’s division and Callor led the Fort Collins women’s team to a first place finish in the 5A women’s division.

At last November’s Nike Cross Nationals regional qualifier, the Vista varsity team finished fifth, which was not a qualifying spot for the national race.

Vista Nation’s success is largely due to Dalby’s coaching methods, for which he has now been honored. For three years in a row, Vista has won the men’s state competition. That will likely bring the eyes of colleges to Vista, possibly giving athletes a chance to compete at a higher level after high school.