MADISON- The Bob Jones High cross country program has turned to Gold…Goldsmith, that is, for leadership qualities to lead into the newest school year.

Katie Goldsmith has been named the new head coach of the Bob Jones cross country teams. She comes to the Patriots from Chapman Elementary/Middle School of Huntsville where she was the girl’s track and field coach for three years.

“I have accepted the leadership position at Bob Jones in order to share my love of running with its athletes,” said Goldsmith, a 2011 graduate of Bob Jones and five-year runner for the school’s cross country teams, where she once placed 12^th in the State Meet with a time of 19 minutes, 12 seconds and was named the team’s Most Improved Runner. “It’s an honor to be returning to my Alma Mater to coach the boys and girls teams. The athletes have already expressed their desire to grow as runners and competitors.”

Goldsmith, 25, will use her self-assessed style of coaching of a trainer of athletes and one who will demonstrate and explain why she teaches her athletes certain ways to do things in cross country. “I feel I’m very clear in what I’m coaching,” added Goldsmith, a 2015 graduate of North Alabama with a degree in Secondary Education.

Growing up in the sport and her continuance of having a hands-on knowledge and the latest situations with cross country, Goldsmith is also proud of the fact she was hand-chosen and highly recommended by one-time coach and longtime Bob Jones teacher Robin Gaines. Goldsmith is extremely proud of being highly thought of by her former coach.

“I wasn’t looking for this job as it just sort came to me in my lap and I’m very humbled,” said Goldsmith. “I feel it’s an honor to teach (algebra) here at Bob Jones where I think the greatest teachers are they care about the students and their fellow teachers.”