Coupeville Sports

Paige Spangler, a successful runner in her own right, is the new Coupeville High School cross country coach. (Photos courtesy Spangler)

There’s a new Wolf on the trail.

Paige Spangler has been tabbed to take over the Coupeville High School cross country program, a hire which becomes official after she receives school board approval.

She follows on the heels of Natasha Bamberger, Luke Samford, and Elizabeth Bitting, who all worked tirelessly to rebuild the program after it returned from a two-decade-plus absence in 2018.

Bitting, who coached the CHS harriers last season on the condition it would be a one-year gig, returns to her first love — shepherding Coupeville’s middle school runners on the path to success.

With the high school job opening back up, that gave Spangler, who moved to Whidbey in 2020 with her Naval aviator husband, a prime opportunity.

“I was attracted to the job because running is something I’m very passionate about,” Spangler said. “And I love sharing that enthusiasm I have with others.

“When I saw the opening, I knew I would enjoy working with these young adults and help them become stronger, faster, and learn valuable skills that apply to running and beyond.”

Spangler has been actively involved in athletics almost from day one, competing in cross country, soccer, softball, basketball, and weightlifting.

An avid runner for more than a decade, she’s currently training for her second marathon, which comes after an assortment of 5K’s, 10K’s, 15K’s, and half-marathons.

After Spangler and her husband Garrett arrived on Whidbey, she nabbed a job as a personal trainer, and a lot of the skills she uses in that position will carry over to the world of high school cross country.

“I have worked in strength and conditioning with several clients with various athletic backgrounds,” Spangler said.

“I am hoping to take the solid foundation that these athletes (CHS runners) have, and build their strength and athletic skills so we can have a highly-competitive season.”

Spangler and her canine companion explore a forest trail.

As schools return to more-traditional competition after a Covid-altered 2020-2021 school year, the Wolf harriers have three league meets scheduled, as well as four invitationals.

Coupeville hosts a regular-season showdown at Fort Casey with Northwest 2B/1B League rivals Orcas Island and Mount Vernon Christian, then welcomes those same schools back to Whidbey for the league championships.

While state meet veteran Catherine Lhamon graduated after winning all four of her races as a senior, there is a deep roster of returning runners.

“My main goal for this season is to build on the solid foundation that Elizabeth Bitting has set these runners up with,” Spangler said. “And work on increasing strength and speed so we can have a great season.

“Overall, the athletes having a great time and loving what they do is the goal, but winning meets and seeing improvements in their times is something we will strive for.

“I want the athletes to leave this season with a passion for running, great memories with their team, and wins under their belt.”

The first day of practice arrives Monday, Aug. 23, and Coupeville’s newest coach is ready and rarin’ to get going.

“I’m so excited to work with these athletes and see them grow during the season!,” Spangler said. “I’ve heard great things about the team, and can’t wait to start working with them!”