Position Type:
Athletics/Activities/Coaching
Date Posted:
8/13/2026
Location:
Forsythe Middle School
District:
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Seasonal Coaching Position
Position Summary:
The Cross Country Coach is responsible for leading the Forsythe Middle School Cross Country
program by providing student-athletes with a safe, positive, and educational athletic experience.
The coach will develop student-athletes' running skills, physical fitness, teamwork,
sportsmanship, and personal responsibility while supporting the mission and values of Ann
Arbor Public Schools and Forsythe Middle School Athletics.
Season Information:
Season Start Date: September 14
Season Length: 9 weeks
Practice Days: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Practice Time: 3:15 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Competitions: Up to five (5) meets
Location: Forsythe Middle School and designated competition sites
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cross Country Coach will:
Plan and conduct organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Teach proper running mechanics, pacing, endurance training, stretching, warm-up,
cool-down, and injury prevention techniques.
Prepare student-athletes for competition while emphasizing effort, improvement, and
personal goal setting.
Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, integrity, and school pride.
Create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed and supported.
Supervise student-athletes before, during, and after practices and competitions until they
have been safely released.
Communicate effectively with athletes, parents/guardians, the Athletic Director, and
school administration.
Monitor athlete attendance and eligibility requirements.
Ensure all district, league, and MHSAA policies and procedures are followed, as
applicable.
Maintain, inventory, distribute, and collect uniforms and equipment.
Attend coaches' meetings and any required athletic department trainings.
Report injuries, accidents, behavioral concerns, or other significant issues promptly to
the Athletic Director.
Represent Forsythe Middle School and Ann Arbor Public Schools in a professional
manner at all times.
Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include:
Previous coaching or competitive running experience.
Experience working with middle school-aged students.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to motivate and inspire student-athletes of varying ability levels.
Knowledge of safe training principles and injury prevention.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of
the season).
Successful completion of all Ann Arbor Public Schools hiring requirements, background
checks, and required trainings.
Time Commitment:
The position includes approximately:
Three practices each week
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
3:15 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Up to five after-school meets
Coaches' meetings and required trainings
Communication with families and athletes
Team roster management
Equipment and uniform distribution/collection
End-of-season wrap-up responsibilities
Expectations:
The successful candidate will:
Place student safety and well-being first.
Model professionalism, integrity, and good sportsmanship.
Foster a positive team culture built on respect, inclusion, and personal growth.
Encourage academic success and responsible citizenship.
Support the philosophy and goals of Forsythe Middle School Athletics and Ann Arbor
Public Schools.
Reports To
Co-Curricular Director
Forsythe Middle School
