Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

Ondrasek Leaves Carroll Cross Country

By Zach Warner

Staff Writer

Robert Ondrasek, the Carroll coach that built the Dragons cross country team into a national power, recently resigned to take a coaching job at Giddings.

Carroll interim athletic director Chauncey Willingham confirmed that Ondrasek left and said Dragons cross country assistant and boys track coach Justin Leonard has been named Ondrasek’s replacement.

"Robert Ondrasek did a wonderful job for us while he was here," Willingham said. "I think we are extremely fortunate to have Justin Leonard available and willing to step in and take the position.

"He’ll do a wonderful job for us," he said of Leonard. "One of the people he learned from the most was Coach Ondrasek."

Ondrasek led the Carroll boys and girls cross country programs to national recognition, as well as four state titles in seven seasons. The Carroll girls won the 4A state title in 2001 and have won three consecutive championships between 2005 and 2007.

Several other former Carroll runners, such as Colby Lowe, Miranda Walker and Brooke Upshaw, won individual titles as a result of Ondrasek’s leadership in both cross country and track.

"We wish Robert the best in the world," Willingham said. "I’m sure he’ll turn that program at Giddings into a top-notch program."