Hartnell’s Zepeda named state Coach of the Year
by Glenn Cravens, The Californian
Hartnell College cross-country coach Christopher Zepeda was honored earlier this week by the California Community College Athletic Association.
Zepeda was named the California Community College Coach of the Year for women's cross-country, as the state recognized him for leading Hartnell's women's team to several championships in the 2014 season.
"It's a tremendous honor," Zepeda said Wednesday. "Having been a community college athlete, going through the same trials and tribulations as other runners, ... you hope to do a good enough job that someone recognizes you."
Zepeda found out about the honor last week and was recognized at a state reception in Las Vegas, Nev.
Zepeda, who coaches both running squads as well as the spring running teams, led the women's team to an undefeated conference season. The Lady Panthers went undefeated in the regular season. In the conference championship, the team went first to fifth in the standings. He said it was one of his favorite moments of the season.
"In eight years of coaching at Hartnell, no team had done that, and we were able to do it," Zepeda said of the conference race sweep.
The Lady Panthers went on to win the Northern California championship, with three runners finishing in the top seven. They were eighth in the state championship.
"For all the girls that ran, this award is for them," Zepeda said. "The reason I'm receiving it is because of how they performed."
Zepeda ran at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo and then transfered to Chico State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters.
He began coaching at Hartnell in 2006. In his time, several standout runners have gone through the Hartnell ranks and eventually made it to the collegiate and national levels.
The most recent runner to make the move up is Diego Leon, who will be heading to Montana State University. Leon was named the state Male Athlete of the Year.
"We're building on the success," Zepeda said.
On Tuesday, Leon was honored by the Hartnell College Board of Trustees for his accomplishments this past school year. Leon, who won the state championship in cross-country among other wins, received a plaque from the board.