Wolf coaching legend Elizabeth Bitting, always ready for a run. (John Fisken photo)
Coupeville High School’s most enthusiastic coach is taking a step back to focus on family.
Elizabeth Bitting, the effervescent running guru who has inspired a generation of Wolf athletes, has resigned from her position as the CHS girls’ track and field coach, where she teamed with boys’ coach Bob Martin.
She is, however, remaining on staff as the head coach for the high school cross country program.
Bitting, who led the Wolf harriers to the state meet this past weekend, where the boys’ squad earned an 8th place finish in the team standings, wrote the following letter to CHS Athletic Director Willie Smith, which she is letting us reprint:
Bitting zips to a top time. (John Fisken photo)
I love running.
Anyone who knows me, if asked to name one thing about me, would likely tell you that I love to run.
That love has carried me through many years of coaching, beginning with middle school and high school track in 2015 and cross country in 2018.
Since then, I have had the privilege of coaching 20 seasons of track and cross country, including coaching both middle school and high school cross country during COVID.
And that doesn’t even include Summer Fun Runs or Open Track sessions in the time between seasons!
Every season has brought something new: new athletes, returning athletes, big goals, unexpected accomplishments, and countless opportunities to encourage young people along the way.
I’ve had the joy of watching athletes reach their goals and even make it to state in both cross country and track.
More importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of their journeys and watch them grow as athletes and individuals.
It has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
But, as with sports, life has its seasons, and I find myself entering a new one.
My current season includes two beautiful grandchildren, and I want to make more time to be present with them and enjoy these precious years.
Balancing both track and cross-country coaching no longer allows me the time I want to devote to my family.
With that in mind, I am formally submitting my resignation as the Coupeville High School track and field coach.
This decision has not come easily, as coaching has been such a meaningful part of my life.
However, I know it is the right decision for this season.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey.
To my fellow coaches, thank you for your support, guidance, and collaboration.
Coach Martin and I made a great team, and Coach McVey, Coach Rixe, and Coach Nitta have all been wonderful colleagues.
To all of our volunteer coaches, thank you for the time and energy you’ve given our athletes.
And to the parents, your encouragement and support have meant more than you know.
I especially want to thank you, Willie.
Without your belief and trust in me, I don’t think I would be where I am today as a coach.
Your guidance, encouragement, and willingness to support me have been genuinely appreciated.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow and make a difference in Coupeville athletics.
I want to be clear that this resignation applies only to track and field.
I look forward to continuing my role as Coupeville cross country coach. My love of running isn’t going anywhere!
Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the athletes, and the opportunity to be part of something so special.
I will always be grateful for my years coaching Coupeville athletes.
With respect and gratitude,
Coach Bitting
Rain or shine, always her athlete’s #1 fan. (Amber Wyman photo)
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