Text/Email Announcements | Archived Announcements
Bella Vista Track and Field/Cross Country Awards Night Information:
Please join us for a banquet celebrating an outstanding track and cross country season! We will be having a dinner and an awards ceremony. We need a little help with the set up as this is a large event. If you can come by early to help set up we would appreciate it.
Who: All track and field as well as cross country athletes and their families who finished the season in good standing.
When: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5:30pm
Where: Orangevale Grange Hall - 5807 Walnut Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662
What to Bring: Because of COVID restrictions families are being asked to provide their own meals. Each family will also want to bring folding chairs because we will be outside.
Drinks/dessert: The Bella Vista track and cross country boosters will provide Drinks and Dessert.
Uniforms: If you checked out a uniform jersey please return it to Coach U before or at the awards banquet. If you can't make the banquet you can turn it in on the Monday or Tuesday before. Fines will be filed in the BV financial office to those who don't turn in their uniforms.
CVC Finals Information: The meet will take place at Bella Vista. It is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 21 for field event athletes only (no running events on Friday). All running events will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 22 (no field events on Saturday). This means that you should be in the BV stadium at 1:00 pm on Friday and 8:00 am on Saturday ready to help the coaches with setting up the meet, moving hurdles and running events etc.
Early Dismissals for Friday C Cohort: C Cohort field athletes will be excused in the attendance office from their 4th, 5th and 6th period distance learning clases on Friday to attend the meet.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's CVC Finals entries by athlete. Click here to view Bella Vista's CVC Finals entries by event.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Saturday running events live stream link will be posted here as well as the home page of bvtrack.com on Friday evening - Live Stream | Alternate Live Stream Link
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
Parents see below for COVID protocols and why we can't allow spectators in the stadium.
(posted 5-19-21)
CVC Finals (May 21 and 22) COVID Protocols:
This meet will be our last meet of the year so first and foremost thanks to all of the coaches, athletes and parents who helped make this season such a successful one. It took a tremendous amount of work just to get permission to hold the meet at Bella Vista considering the ever changing COVID-19 restrictions. One of the main reasons for this is because it is scheduled to be a multi-school meet and with every school in the league competing (7 schools total) we would have over 350 athletes in the stadium.
The County of Sacramento and the San Juan District required us to limit the amount of people in the BV stadium over the course of the two day meet. One of the ways that we will do this is to split the field events and running events holding the two on seperate days (click for meet schedule). We also had to come up with a plan to show that we could keep athletes separated on the track and in the field. Not an easy task when dealing with large numbers.
We put together a plan to meet all of their requirements but in the end they insisted that we not allow spectators in the stadium for both days of the meet. Understandably, we were very disappointed in this decision, as were all of the schools in the league, but quickly realized that we couldn't hold the meet if we didn't comply with this mandate. With that said, we are very sorry to announce that we can't have our parents in the stands as spectators on May 21 and 22. However, we are attempting to create the best situation possible for you to monitor and even watch your daughters and sons during the meet.
On Saturday we are attemping to live stream the running events to our YouTube channel which will be linked to the bvtrack.com home page. The meet will start at 9:00 am on Saturday morning so tune in around that time. Remember that we have never attempted to live steam video from a meet before so we are at the mercy of technology and sometimes things don't work out the way we want in this situation. Hopefully we can get it up and running and keep it streaming the entire meet but no promisses.
There is no practical way that we can steam the field events so we will be taking video of our athletes in their events as much as we can which we will post a few days after May 21. Also, remember that we will have "nearly" live results linked to the home page of bvtrack.com for our running and field events and you will be able to monitor how our athletes are doing shortly after the completion of each event.
Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation with this issue. We are finishing up a period in history that is truly unprecedented and we are doing our best to adapt so that your children can have the most meaningful experience possible this season. We will have information going out soon on an awards night so look for a remind text in a few weeks. Go Broncos!
(posted 5-15-21)
Woodcreek Dual Meet Information: The meet will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 15 at Bella Vista. This means that you should be in the BV stadium at 8:00 am ready to help the coaches with setting up the meet, moving hurdles and running events etc.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against Roseville HS.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 5-12-21)
Arcadia Invitational: We are very excited to announce that four of our Bella Vista teammates will be competing in the prestigious Arcadia Invitational this Saturday, May 8. On Saturday at 10:00 am Reyna Dismukes will compete in the open session long jump followed by Shea Wright in the open session pole vault at 10:45 am. Isabella "Chilly" Chilcutt will compete in the high powered Invitational Session high jump at 4:00 pm and finally Sean Lacey will show what he's got in the Invitational Session 3200 meters at 8:50 pm. There will be real-time results available as well as a live stream of the meet which can be viewed by following the links below. Good luck to these four and as always GO BRONCOS!
(posted 5-6-21)
Roseville Dual Meet Information: The meet will begin at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 5 at Bella Vista. This means that you should be in the BV stadium at 2:30 pm ready to help the coaches with setting up the meet, moving hurdles and running events etc.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against Roseville HS.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 5-3-21)
Granite Bay Dual Meet Information: The meet will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 1 at Bella Vista. This means that you should be in the BV stadium at 1:00 pm ready to help the coaches with setting up the meet, moving hurdles and running events etc.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against River Valley.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 4-29-21)
Team Pictures This Friday! We have our team pictures on Friday, April 30 at 1:30 pm. Meet at the BV stadium at 1:15 pm to get lined up and organized. Bring your uniform top and black shorts. These photos are "virtual" meaning they will be taking individual pictures of each team member then photoshoping them together into one team picture. We will practice right after pictures are done to prepare for our dual meet with Granite Bay HS this Saturday (May 1 at 2:00 pm). Those athletes who are on quaratine will need to make an appointment to be photographed at the Bill Smith studio on Tuesday, May 4th. They can make an appointment by going to billsmithphoto.com/appts and selected the "K-11 School Portraits" or by calling their Customer Service Department at 916-749-1026 and select Option 1.
(posted 4-28-21)
River Valley Dual Meet Information: The meet will begin at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, April 28 at Bella Vista. This means that you should be in the BV stadium at 2:30 pm ready to help the coaches with setting up the meet, moving hurdles and running events etc.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against River Valley.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 4-26-21)
Bus to Yuba City: We have a bus schedule to leave Bella Vista at 1:30 pm on Wednesday April 21 for our dual meet with Yuba City High School. Click here to sign up for the bus if you need a ride. The bus will return to Bella Vista at the conclusion of the meet which means the bus should leave Yuba City HS around 6:00 to 6:30 pm and arrive back at Bella Vista around 7:00 to 7:30 pm. These are estimated times so bring a cell phone if our arrival time is earlier then 7:30 pm so that you can call your parents to pick you up at Bella Vista. Coach Sup will be riding the bus with the athletes. If you have a ride to Yuba City you should expect to be arrive one hour before the meet start time of 3:30 pm.
(posted 4-20-21)
Yuba City Dual Meet Information: If you chose to secure your own ride and not ride the bus for this meet expect to arrive at Yuba City High School (Click for Map) at 2:30 pm sharp. The meet begins at 3:30 pm.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: Click here to view the meet order of events. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against Yuba City.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 4-20-21)
Vista Del Lago Dual Meet Information: Since we don't have a bus for this meet all team members are expected to secure their own ride to Vista Del Lago High School (Click for Map). You should plan your travel arrangements so that you arrive at Vista Del Lago HS at 1:00 pm sharp. The meet begins at 2:00 pm.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Meet Schedule: We were not provided a meet schedule but it will be similar to this one. This meet should take about three hours to complete.
Entries: Click here to view Bella Vista's entries for our meet against Vista Del Lago.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Also, don't forget your spikes!
(posted 4-16-21)
Antelope Dual Meet Information: Since we don't have a bus for this meet all team members are expected to secure their own ride to Antelope High School (Click for Map). You should plan your travel arrangements so that you arrive at Antelope HS at 2:30 pm sharp. The meet begins at 3:30 pm.
COVID protocol will be the same at meets as it is at practice. Wear your masks at all times unless you are competing then you can remove but must put on again immediately after completion of your event. Field event athletes can remove when taking an attempt but should put back on between attempts. Athletes should also be aware of where they are standing or sitting relative to their teammates and opponents. Stay six feet apart at all times.
Parents must wear masks and keep socially distanced away from all other families when sitting in the stands. No spectators will be allowed on the infield. The only exception is if parents are volunteering to help run an event.
Order of Events can be viewed at this link. The meet should take about three hours to complete.
Meet Program can be viewed by following this link. In running events the number to the left of your name is your lane number and the same number you will stick to your left hip when racing so that the finish camera can tell what lane you are in.
Results will be posted shortly after the completion of each event at this link. Results can also be accessed via the bvtrack.com home page link.
Don't forget your uniform jersey and black shorts. Bring some sweat pants and a sweat shirt in case it gets colder towards the end of the meet.
This is the first time we get to be together as a team in over a year so make sure you thank your opponents for the competition and cheer for your teammates whenever you get the chance! GO BRONCOS!
(posted 4-13-21)
BV - Davis Jump Meet Information: We have a meet for pole vaulter, long, triple and high jumpers on Saturday, April 10 at Davis High School (click for map). Team members who do not compete in these events will have their first meet at Antelope High School on Wednesday, April 14. Below is some information for athletes and parents on the jump meet at Davis HS this Saturday.
Schedule of Events:
High Jump: Boys start at 10:00 am with girls immediately following.
Pole Vault: Girls start at 10:00 am with boys immediately following.
Long Jump: Girls start at 10:00 am with boys immediately following.
Triple Jump: Boys start at 10:00 am with girls immediately following.
Arrival Time: You should plan to arrive one hour before your event starts. For the events that start right at 10:00 am you should be at the Davis HS stadium at 9:00 am sharp. For the events that take place immediately following the 10:00 am events you should plan to be at the stadium no later then 9:30 am.
Masks: Athletes and parents should wear a mask into the stadium. Parents are asked to keep their masks on while sitting in the stands. Athletes can remove their mask when they are jumping but should put back on in between jumps.
Parent Seating: Davis HS has told me that there will be a parent section in the bleachers for Bella Vista and one for Davis HS. I don't yet know where these two sections will be but I think we will learn this when we arrive. Parents please remember to socially distance when sitting in the stands within the Bella Vista seating area.
Only Coaches and Athletes on the Infield: Only coaches and athletes will be allowed on the infield. Parents are being asked to stay in their designated area in the stands to assist with social distancing. On occation parents who volunteer to help run an event (rake sand pits, help measure or put the bar up) are allowed on the infield but must wear a mask at all times. With this said, we could probably use some help with running the long jump because we have been asked to officiate it. We need people to help rake the sand and measure only. We have someone to be the head official.
Athlete Social Distancing: At all times athletes should be aware of how close they are standing or sitting to their teammates and opponents. Please remember to stay at least six feet from all other competitors and coaches when warming up, waiting between jumps, and competing.
Entries: Individual entries are being communicated to the athletes at practice. If there are any questions about entries the athlete should touch base with their event coach.
Questions? Email Coach U by clicking here.
(posted 4-7-21)
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Big Personal Best For Lacey: On Saturday night Bella Vista junior Sean Lacey posted a huge PR to start the 2021 season in an all comers meet in Arizona. Sean ran in the elite heat of the 3200 meters and posted an amazing time considering all of the restrictions that he has had to train around. Sean ran 9:13.74 which is the 4th fastest time in Bella Vista history for that event. Congratulations Sean and thanks for getting the Broncos season moving in a positive direction before we have even started! Results |
(posted 3-28-21)
Practice schedule for the week of 3-29 to 4-2: Practice will be held every day next week Monday through Friday starting at 3:30 pm in the stadium and ending around 5:30 pm. Distance runners (800m, 1600m, 3200m) should contact Coach Kuphaldt (click for Coach Kuphaldts email) to find out your practice times and locations. You must be registered and cleared to start practice with the team (see quick links above). Wear something that you can work out in.
See COVID practice protocols below for more information.
(posted 3-25-21)
Bella Vista Track and Field COVID Practice Protocols: You must adhere to the following COVID safety rules prior to and during practice. If you break these rules you risk getting the entire team quarantined leaving us unable to practice or compete for 10 days.
- Symptoms: If you have any of these symptoms before you attend practice including the day or days before DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE!!! Cough, sore throat, breathing problems, chills, headache, fever, loss of smell or taste, vomiting or diarrhea. Instead communicate your condition to the coaching staff and get tested for COVID before returning to practice and then communicate your results.
- Exposure: If you have come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE!!! Instead communicate your situation to the coaching staff and get tested for COVID before returning to practice and then communicate your results.
- Masks: Wear a mask into the stadium and do not remove unless instructed to do so.
- Temperature: The coaching staff needs to take your temperature every day in practice and at meets so make sure you approach your coach to get that done.
- Social distance: Stay at least 6 feet apart from other members of the track and field team at all times.
- Backpacks: Keep your backpacks separated and do not pile them on each other.
- Water Bottles: Bring your own water bottle, do not share and store them at least six feet from any other water bottle. Don't use any drinking fountains in the stadium.
- Cohorts: We are going to break the team up into event groups (see #9 below) to limit exposure. Each group will have a letter that identifies them and a specific gate to enter the stadium. After you enter the stadium each group will have an event area where they will go to immediately, stay socially distanced and wait for your coach to start practice.
- Practice Groups: Group A = distance runners (contact Coach Kuphaldt for practice instructions), Group B = pole vaulters, Group C = jumpers (long jump, triple jump, high jump), Group D = Throwers (shot put, discus), Group E = sprinters and hurdlers.
- Entrance and Practice Areas: Study the map below to learn where you need to enter the stadium and where you need to meet your event coach for practice. Go directly to your event area when arriving and do not leave it unless instucted to do so.
(posted 3-25-21)
Pre-Season Workouts: We were not given permission to hold conditioning workouts on the track this week because of COVID restrictions so we will begin practice at the track as a team on Monday, March 29 at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The start time will change to 3:40 pm to 5:30 pm starting April 5 to allow students to get to BV from home after the daily Hybrid schedule is completed at 3:15 pm.
Workouts on your own this week: It would be a good idea for you to get some conditioning in before the March 29 start. Distance runners (800 meters, 1600m & 3200m) need to contact Coach Kuphaldt (Email - Coach Kuphaldt) for their workouts. If you are a sprinter, hurdler, or field event athlete it is recommended that you do some light running on your own this week to prepare for the start of practice. Start with some stretching then do a 10 minute run then finish with stretching. Each day add 2 minutes to your run. 10 min then 12 then 14 etc. This will alleviate some soreness after our March 29 start.
Send Coach U an email if you have questions.
(posted 3-22-21)
2021 BV Track and Field Team Roster: Click here to view the 2021 Bella Vista Track and Field roster. When you look at the roster check if you are:
1. Signed up: If you don't see your name on the roster then you are not signed up and not officially on the team. See "2021 BV Track and Field Team Sign Ups" below for information on how to get on the roster.
2. Resitered & Cleared:
- If the box by your name under the "Cleared" column is blank (white) you are registered and cleared to start practice on March 29.
- If the square in the cleared column is red you signed up but are not registered or have your physical clearance to start practice.
- If the square in the cleared column is green you are registered but do not have your medical clearance turned in or approved. If you are not registered or cleared see instructions under the "You will need to register" heading below.
If you have questions about your status on the roster send an email to Coach U by clicking here.
(posted 3-19-21)
2021 BV Track and Field Team Sign Ups: To sign up for the Bella Vista Track and Field Team send an email to Coach U by clicking here. In your email include the following information: Your first and last name, grade in school, parents/guardians names, parents/guardians email address, parents/guardians cell phone number, your cell phone number.
(posted 3-5-21)
You will need to register and go through the clearance process before you can participate with the team. Click here to register and complete the Bella Vista athletic department clearance process.
(posted 3-5-21)
Practices will officially begin on Monday, March 29. A practice schedule will be posted on this page the first few weeks of the season. Pre-season conditioning will begin when the track and field team is allowed to use the stadium as a group. Information on when this will be will be posted here when available. **Distance runners (800m, 1600m, 3200m) will be on a different schedule and should communicate (Email - Coach Kuphaldt) with the distance coaches for where and when they will meet for practice.
Click here to view the tentative 2021 meet schedule. Realize that it has changed multiple times and still could change in the future.
(posted 3-5-21)
What events can I do in track and field at BV? High School track and field in California consists of 16 events for both boys and girls. On the track we run the 100 meters, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, 3200 m, 100 m hurdles (girls), 110 m hurdles (boys), 300 m hurdles, 4 x 100 meter relay, and 4 x 400 meter relay. The field events we compete in are the high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, and discus. We compete in varsity competition (Juniors and Seniors) and frosh/soph competition (Freshmen and Sophomores). By rule you can compete in no more than 4 events (including relays) in a single meet.
(posted 3-5-21)
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As many of you know our friend and distance coach Tom Laythe passed away New Years morning from COVID-19 complications. I am writing this so that our track and cross country families will have a better understanding of what happened. Tom had been in the intensive care unit for more than two weeks and fought very hard. As recently as December 27 it looked like he was going to beat the virus and make it out of the hospital. However, shortly after the optimistic December 27 report from his family, Tom took a turn for the worse and passed away January 1. |
Click to view CBS Sacramento piece on Coach Tom
Click to view Fox 40 story on Coach Tom
Video Tribute to Coach Tom by Christine Cochran
Coach Tom was one of the most well-liked and well-connected people in the running community. Just about everybody knew Tom Laythe. This is likely because of his easygoing, gentle nature and the fact that he genuinely cared about everyone he came in contact with. I believe this is the first thing people saw in Tom and the reason he was so well liked. Tom was the real deal and will be missed.
If you want to leave a comment on Tom you can follow this link to a running website message board to leave your thoughts. Below is a message to our track & field and cross country teams from our principal Dr. Kitchen and below that is other message from Coach Holmes.
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Good morning XC and Track and Field student athletes. I just wanted to reach out to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of Coach Laythe. I know that he was more than just a coach to you, but also a friend. Coach Laythe had such a positive impact on the lives of many BV student athletes throughout the years that is difficult to quantify. He was well-liked and well-respected by his peers, the BV staff, and the many student-athletes he worked with in his career.
I also know that you will continue to find support in one another, your families – which include your XC and Track and Field families. There are additional supports for you with our BV Counseling team, too. They are available to you if you feel you would like to talk to any of them. Many of you already have their contact information (via email and via their google voice numbers.) Their information is also available on the BV website under: Ms. Casey (9th grade); Ms. Besso (10th grade); Ms. Penbera (11th grade); Ms. Pedretti (12th grade); Ms. Cespedes (504/ELL).
Again, my sincere apologies for the loss of Coach Laythe. He was a wonderful man with a kind spirit, and he will be missed.
My Regards,
Darrin Kitchen
Principal Bella Vista High School
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From Coach Holmes:
"COVID has taken a lot over this past year, but this one impacts so many. Friend and fellow distance coach at Bella Vista High School, coach Tom Laythe, passed this morning after courageously fighting to recover from COVID.
Tom loved coaching and developing distance runners. To say that he made a significant impact on the athletes he coached and the coaches he coached with is at best a profound understatement. He was not consumed or driven by winning, even though his coaching career was filled with tremendous successes. What Tom talked about often is our runners developing meaningful relationships and life-skills that would travel with them far beyond their time running with our team. This is what made Tom such a transformational coach and exceptional human.
Tom also possessed the great gift of providing others with experiences of expansive bouts of laughter. If you were around Tom, you were going to laugh... and not in small amounts. Tom provided the kind of laughter that left one gasping for air and believing surely a rib or ribs were about to shatter and a diaphragmatic hernia was about to ensue. That was Tom. That is Tom. That is Tom’s essence. This is what Tom leaves as part of his wonderful legacy. This is also what makes Tom’s passing so tough.
There are hundreds and more likely thousands feeling the greatness of this loss, especially his family. His family was such a source of joy. When the athletes were out on their warm-up runs, Tom often shared his daily adventures of spending the hours prior to practice being a grandpa. He absolutely loved being a grandpa! I feel like I know his granddaughter because of the delightful stories and pictures Tom shared with us. These stories and daily Grandpa Tom reports will be deeply missed.
In short, Tom was at his core a family man and this is what made him such a great coach. We are beyond blessed that he warmly invited us into his family, although it was for far too short of a time.
One thing I’ve learned from Tom is that a good man, who exudes a great love for others, and can instantaneously rattle off a good story, this kind of man, he is a world changer. So Tom, thank you for changing our world and inviting us to be a part of your story.
Jon Holmes
