Three local high school coaches have been recognized as the best in South Carolina following championship-winning seasons. The South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) recently announced its 2025 Cross Country Coaches of the Year, with top honors going to leaders from Fort Mill, Clover, and South Pointe.
Fort Mill High School Fort Mill’s Lee Whitaker received dual recognition, being named both the 5A Division 2 Boys Coach of the Year and the 5A Division 2 Girls Coach of the Year. The awards cap a historic season for the Yellow Jackets, as Whitaker guided the girls’ team to their third consecutive state championship and the boys’ team to their second consecutive title, completing a “sweep” of the division.
Clover High School In the 5A Division 1 classification, Clover High School’s Ben Clark was named the Girls Coach of the Year. Clark led the Blue Eagles to a state championship victory. His team’s effort was spearheaded by senior Ella Nighbor, who captured the individual state title with a time of 17:37.78.
South Pointe High School South Pointe’s Trish Sacco was selected as the 4A Boys Coach of the Year. The Stallions secured the 4A boys team state title, edging out Bishop England for the victory. The team was led by senior Keller Brown, who dominated the field to win the individual state championship with a time of 15:39.84.
These accolades highlight a dominant year for York County cross country, with local programs securing state titles and top coaching honors across multiple classifications.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
