Washington’s Roth finalist for prestigious award

Washington track and field coach Steve Roth was given a major honor last month. He was named a finalist for National Coach of the Year from the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.

The association hosted its convention in late July. Roth was invited to be honored, one of just eight track and field coaches on the list.

“This was a great opportunity to get Washington name out there so people know about Demon Nation,“ Roth said.

The winner of the award was Scott Smith from Powell High School in Wyoming. It was his fourth time being nominated.

Along with track and field coaches, there were eight finalists apiece from a variety of other sport, as well as athletic directors.

The track finalists were from Connecticut New Mexico, Michigan, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.

“While I was the one nominated, this was not about me,” Roth said. “This was about the program.”

The award was not all about accolades on the field. It also recognized each coach for his or her contribution to the community. Roth said he had to send in a four-page essay about his work with the team and the community.

“It was a very humbling experience,” said Roth.

Roth has quite a resume as the Demons head coach. Under his leadership, Washington has won one state title, in 1998, and has finished third at the state track meet six times. They have finished in the Top-10 12 times and finished 12th last year.

““It was a great opportunity for me to meet a lot of cool people,” Roth said. “I was very proud to represent Washington High School.”