JULY 28, 2022

Highlands Ranch, CO -- Valor Christian High School is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeff Cook as the new Head Coach for the Valor Cross Country program. Dr. Jeff Cook officially joins the Valor Athletics coaching staff after many years of experience in the cross country world. He has coached for nine years in a handful of strong programs, including two years at Lake Washington with professional coach Lyudmila Vasilyeva, and two years as a head coach (XC/Track) for a track program with 100 athletes and 5 assistant coaches. Since moving to Colorado, he has spent the last two years as an assistant cross country coach at Chatfield High School.

"After having the opportunity to speak to Dr. Cook, we are incredibly excited to find a coach that is so passionate about excellence and Jesus. His passion for running and for caring for each individual athlete will make him an incredible leader for the cross country program." Athletic Director Brian Bonn said. "We are excited to watch Coach Jeff Cook build an amazing culture in an already high-performing cross country program. His coaching legacy starts now."

Dr. Cook has shared this message with the Valor Cross Country community: 
"Dear Valor Cross Country Family,
I am thrilled to join the Valor Cross Country community and to begin coaching and developing relationships with all involved. My relationship with Christ has been a foundational element throughout my life and I am humbled to join the Valor community. I have coached cross country and track for 11 years in New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Washington and most recently, at Chatfield High School. I was fortunate to enjoy four years of Division I competition at the University of California, Irvine, as a scoring member of a strong program. I am an Associate Professor at Denver Seminary in their clinical mental health counseling department and have maintained a clinical practice since 2006. Prior to my clinical work, I served in pastoral ministry for 11 years with a strong emphasis in youth and family ministry. My wife, Heidi, and I just celebrated 25 years of marriage in July, and we have been blessed with four amazing teenage/adult children.
And, now, I am excited to begin coaching and sharing my life with the Valor community." -Coach Jeff Cook

Dr. Cook takes over for former head coach Greg Coplen, who spent ten seasons serving as the Valor Cross Country Head Coach. Last year, the boys cross country team finished in second place at the 5A state championship and the girls finished in third place. This was their best season since inception as a program. The Valor Christian community is excited to welcome Dr. Jeff Cook into this new position.