For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Edwards
Coordinator of Policy and Communications
January 6, 2020
Release #683 540-662-3888 x88235
James Wood High School Cross Country Coach Resigns

James Wood High School Cross Country Coach Mike Onda has resigned after coaching
the Colonels for 16 seasons. Onda, who serves as a business teacher at James Wood, began
coaching the school’s cross country teams in 2004 and has enjoyed success during his tenure.
This past season, the boys’ team won the Northwestern District Championship and the girls’
team was the Northwestern District runner-up. Both squads finished as the Region 4C runners-
up and advanced to the 4A State Championship. It was the first time the boys’ team had
advanced to the state meet since 2003 and the first time the girls’ team qualified for the state
championship since 1986. The girls’ squad went on to place fourth in the state this year.

Wood High School Coordinator of Student Activities Craig Woshner says, “As the
Coordinator of Student Activities, I’m thankful for the many years Mr. Onda has dedicated to our
cross country program. His teams proved to be very successful, particularly over the past two
seasons, and have set a high standard for future teams.”

James Wood High School Principal Sam Gross adds, “As a business teacher and coach,
Mr. Onda sets high expectations for students and is committed to helping each and every
student reach their full potential in the classroom and in athletic competition. With the runners
who will be returning to our cross country teams next year, I expect there to be a great deal of
interest in succeeding Mr. Onda as our cross country coach. The ideal candidate will have a
strong background in competitive distance running, prior coaching experience within a
successful program and a plan to continue building our cross country program into one of the
premier programs in Virginia."