Cross Country and Track coach Ivan Huff leads a legacy of involvement and hard work

Not many can say they’ve done anything without pause and with such acclaim for over three decades. Luckily, PRHS Cross Country and Track coach Ivan Huff isn’t most people.  

Huff has been coaching Cross Country since 1986 and Track since the 90’s. Through his time, he’s also balanced being a professional athlete, supervisor, and father. As for his athletics, Huff has notably qualified for the Olympic trials three times, and was induced in the Bearcat Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments. 

Huff, currently, dedicates so much of his time towards coaching that he can’t pinpoint how many hours per week he spends with his athletes, but is known for leading practice after school during weekdays and on Saturday mornings for his particularly motivated runners. 

“I’m addicted to running,” Huff said, “I love the whole idea of trying to push yourself to get better and better. I like seeing that improvement and how people do more than they think they can.” 

Competition, however, remains one of Huff’s major goals, and he has channeled that by leading a multitude of his teams to great physical heights, most recently coaching Senior Charlotte Castelli and Junior Sydney Moore to positions first and eighth respectively at the CIF Division II race. 

Other cross country and track participants swear by Huff’s adeptness at coaching, too: Freshman Tony (Nhan) Van notes the incredible growth he’s seen since starting running under Huff. 

“He pushes us to where we thought we couldn’t achieve… He’s helped the whole team a lot through the season and I’m glad he’s our coach,” Van said. 

Xochilt Luis Lopez, 12, agrees. “Coach Huff is one of the most encouraging, hardworking, and dedicated coaches I’ve ever had,” she said, “He has definitely helped create a family in our team.”

Huff stays loyal to running for a simple, undeniable reason.

“Running teaches kids discipline. If you’re a runner, you know it’s real easy to put it off to the next day… (but) having that consistency (is) very important in life,” Huff said. “You can’t always say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll take care of that later.’ You have to stay on top of it all the time, and that becomes a lifestyle.”

This sportsman’s dedication to this community has made an impact in the lives of countless teens, strengthening legs along with resolve; going the distance as team bonds strengthen and success continues.

For more information on Ivan Huff, check out some of his many appearances in Crimson and other Paso newsmagazines below.

• “YOU CAN MAKE EXCUSES OR YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN” by Crimson Staff
• “Cross country runners compete at state” by Cole Eberhard
• “Paso Robles HS Alumnus Ivan Huff Is All About the Running Lifestyle” by Meagan Friberg
• And many more!