The Gazette Girls’ Track and Field Coach of the Year: Tim Daggett, The Classical Academy
Classical Academy track and field coach Tim Daggett created quite a dynasty with his girls’ program at the Class 3A level. Now, the Titans have taken over 4A.
In the school’s second year competing in 4A, Daggett guided TCA to the team title. He is The Gazette Girls’ Track and Field Coach of the Year.
“It’s very meaningful to be awarded something like this among the other coaches and programs in a fantastic track city like Colorado Springs,” said Daggett, who also won the award in 2014. “There are a lot of unbelievable programs here. One of the joys of coaching is the coaching fraternity, and this is an honor.”
It’s the ninth title for the girls’ team in Daggett’s 13 years as head coach, but the first in 4A. In addition to the TCA girls winning nine titles in the past 13 years, Daggett also has led the boys’ program to five championships in that time frame.
“You don’t add it up as you go through the seasons,” he said. “This whole ride has been so enjoyable. We have a staff that loves coaching together and have great support from the parents.”
The Titans were dominant in the 4A division, finishing with 84.5 points – 20 more than second-place Air Academy.
The most impressive part of TCA’s big-time performance at the state meet was that the girls didn’t know until the final relay that they were the champions.
“We don’t stress the team title, and we don’t tell them the team standings until it’s over,” Daggett said. “We don’t want them to have extra pressure, and to focus on their events.”
Highlighted by sisters Andrea and Erika Willis going 1-2 in the pole vault and a state title from the 1,600-meter relay team, it was a special three days at the state meet.
“I’m so proud of this team, and we had a great senior class,” Daggett said. “Every year, whether you win the title or not, your goal is to walk off the track after those three days and know you put your best on the track, and we really did that. This was a very special group, and I wish we could get everyone back together now to talk about how much we accomplished.”
