Following the departure of beloved cross country coach Dave Van Sickle, two new faces take on the laborious role of head coach. Van Sickle coached for 33 years, and left some big shoes to fill.
Nissa Kubly began at Xavier five years ago as the Sculpture teacher. She began as an assistant coach alongside Van Sickle shortly after her arrival at Xavier.
Kubly has a master’s degree in fine arts, but her passions range wider, as she has been a distance runner since early in her life. Kubly ran Division I at the University of Wisconsin where she specialized in the 10K.
“This year we are dedicated to helping the girls reach their personal goals while preventing injury,” said Kubly.
Daniel Wong is the other coach leading the Gators this year. In 2016 he graduated from Arizona State University where he ran Division I cross country and track for five years.
Wong is an Arizona native, from Tucson. In high school, he qualified and competed in the World Cross Country Championship, which took place in Singapore. His unique experience as a premier athlete is vital for encouraging Gators to reach the next level.
Wong started his coaching career at Sunnyslope as an assistant coach, and later moved to Central High where he was head coach for three years. Now that he is coaching Xavier, it is clear he knows his way around many training paths.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching at Xavier. Together Coach Kubly and I are able to add new ideas and energy into an already very successful program. The coaches, runners, parents and administration have all been very supportive and welcoming of me,” Wong said.
Both coaches are prepared to undertake this new responsibility. With their combined experience, devotion to the sport and passion for improving young athletes, Xavier cross country is in good hands.
