Walcher resigns as Tokay’s track and field coach
For the last three years, Zak Walcher has been committed to the Tokay High boys and girls track and field coach.
But now he is racing in another direction that demands immediate attention.
Posting on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, Walcher announced that “with heavy heart” due to extenuating circumstances, he has resigned in running the Tigers’ program.
“Over the last three years I have made plenty of memories and have been blessed by getting to know and coach a great group of student athletes and work with an amazing coaching staff,” Walcher shared on the social media website. “It is my hope that I have build a solid program that can excel moving into the future of (the Tri-City Athletic League).”
In a phone message Wednesday evening, Walcher elaborated that there are “personal family matters” that will need his attention. That would also require for him to travel next spring.
“I felt it was of the best interest in the program, since I wouldn’t be able to devote all my time and effort into the program, to step down,” Walcher said in his message.
Walcher is in his fourth year in teaching marine biology and earth science at Tokay High. He’s also one of the Tokay football assistant coaches. According to Tokay High Athletic Director and football head coach Michael Holst, Walcher will be still be on Holst’s coaching staff in 2018.
In his Twitter statement, Walcher noted, and Holst confirmed, that Karey Harty, the Tokay boys and girls cross-country coach who has worked in the Tigers’ track and field program over the years, has been named the interim head coach.
“She’s going to run the shop until we hire someone permanently,” Holst said. “As of right now, she’s taking over.”
Walcher further stated on his Twitter profile about his short time in running the Tigers’ track and field program.
“Thank you to all the great athletes I have coached over the years and all the things YOU taught me about being a good head coach,” Walcher wrote.
He also thanked the Tokay High Boosters Club, and parents of studentathletes for their support of the program and the student-athletes.
“It has been an amazing experience and I wish all the athletes the best (next spring) and hope we have our most successful season yet as a program,” Walcher concluded.
Holst noted that Tokay is advertising for a new track and field head coach within the Lodi Unified School District. The position will run through Friday, Dec. 8. Practices begin on Feb. 5, 2018.
“We want someone in place in track and field, one way or the other,” Holst said.
Whether Harty or a new head coach is in place, the Tokay track and field
teams will be faced with not having to practice on the school’s track and field, and football field next spring.
Two months ago, the grass of the football field and the all-weather track and field were removed as part of the stadium renovation. Being installed will be an artificial turf, plus a new all-weather track and field, plus new stands and stadium lights. Holst is hoping all of the work is done toward middle/end of next spring, in time for Tokay football to open the season, hosting Patterson in a nonleague game next August.