Lane Community College, in Eugene, Ore., has announced that Bill Steyer has been selected as LCC’s cross country coach. Prior to moving from Homer to Oregon in May, Steyer was the cross country and track coach for Homer High School, was active with Kachemak Bay Running Club and frequently ran in local events. He was named Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015, and 2016 by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, and has a USATF Level 1 Certification and USATFCCCA Technical Certification for the sprint, jumping and distance events.

In a phone interview, Steyer said he became aware of the opening at Lane shortly before leaving Homer. After arriving in Eugene, he was interviewed and “a couple hours later, they gave me a call and said the job was mine if I wanted it,” he said.

“It’s a college-level opportunity and (Lane is) a good niche for a lot of athletes … high caliber runners that just aren’t ready to jump into some of the high-powered schools in the area. If they get a chance to run and prove themselves at the junior college level, that’ll be my opportunity to work with them and find good places for these kids.”

Lane Community College’s web site reports a total annual enrollment of more than 36,000 students. The school’s intercollegiate athletic program participates in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Conference with 35 other colleges in Oregon, Washington and Canada.