Image of XC runners with Chemeketa CC Logo

Elisabeth Saxe named Chemeketa XC and Distance Track Head Coach

Accomplished long-time South Salem High School cross-country and track-and-field coach Elisabeth Saxe has been named the head coach of Chemeketa Community College's returning women's cross-country and distance track programs.

"We are fortunate to be able to hire someone who has the experience of Coach Saxe to get our new programs started," Athletic Director Cassie Belmodis said. "Her resumé of coaching experience, including a great deal of success, and that she values the importance of doing well in the classroom as a student-athlete is a perfect fit."

Chemeketa's Board of Education approved the return of cross-county and distance track for the 2019-2020 school year. The cross-country and track and field programs were discontinued after the 2002-2003 school year.

Saxe has 33 years of coaching experience at South Salem, including 23 years as head cross-country coach and 14 years as head track and field coach. In that time, her squads produced four state championships, seven track and field conference titles, and 12 cross-country conference titles.

In personal accolades, Saxe was named Valley League Coach of the Year a total of 23 times. She also received Coach of the Year honors from the Statesman-Journal newspaper four times.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Saxe to the Storm athletic family," said Belmodis.