Lakes High School

 

Lakes High School athletic director Kevin Wright was inducted into the Washington State Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame at their annual induction ceremony on Jan. 23.

 

Before joining Lakes as the athletic director, Wright had an extensive career as a coach at Capital High School. He was a long-standing member of the coaching staff for cross country and track and field. He played a key role in the creation of the Capital Invitational, an early season meet designed to provide runners of all abilities a welcoming and competitive start to the season. He began as an assistant coach for the boys cross country team before a position opened as the head coach for the girls team.

 

The Capital girls cross country program earned numerous league and district championships. From 2000 to 2016, they qualified for the state meet every year, including multiple finishes in the top five, and earned several state trophies. One of Wright’s most memorable highlights came in 2007, when both of his daughters, Amanda and Brianne, competed on the state-qualifying team as his wife, Danelle, served as an assistant coach.

 

Throughout his career, Wright’s cross country and track programs produced numerous league champions, state qualifiers and athletes who continued competing at collegiate and post-high school levels. His emphasis on hard work, accountability and leadership shaped successful athletes and inspired many former runners to become coaches themselves.

 

In addition to coaching, Wright also served 13 years on the organizing committee for the Westside Classic District Cross Country Meet, further demonstrating his commitment to the growth of the sport beyond his own program.

 

Since becoming an athletic director for Lakes, Wright has continued to work extensively with the school’s cross country teams and supported the league by helping with cross country championships and assisting with the Westside Classic and Fort Steilacoom Invitational.

 

This well-earned award reflects the dedication to leadership, guidance and inspiration that Wright has provided to his students throughout his time as a coach. “I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to receive this honor,” Wright said. “I was at a school game when I got the call, and when the students came over to me with concerned looks on their faces, I told them, ‘Don’t worry – these are tears of joy.’”