GATFXCCA Coaches Spotlight
NAME: Wesley Etienne (Clarkston)
Please list some of the highlights of your team’s/individual’s accomplishments:
TF-
Abbas Abbkar 800 State Championship 2015
XC-
Suheib Mohamed (2015) & Abbas Abbkar (2014) were all- ATL track metro athletes
TOP 10 runners at 5A XC State Championship
Abbas Abbkar (2014) Suheib Mohamed (2015)
Bineyam Tumbo (2016) Piyo Michele (2018)
During my time at Clarkston HS 2012 to present
Clarkston Boys XC program placed in the top 8 during State Championship from 2013-2018
State 5 A XC Champions 2014,2015,2016
State 5 A XC State runner up 2013
State 5 A XC 3rd place 2017
Region 6 5A XC Champions 2013,14,15
Region 5 5A XC Champions 2016-18
County XC Champions 2013-14,2016, 2019
How long have you been coaching and at what schools?
I have been coaching for 17 yrs. ranging from football, soccer, basketball, Track & Field/XC.
Schools that I have coached in my education profession include:
St. Charles Borromeo School, Port Charlotte, FL
Boys Basketball Team Head Coach
Girls Basketball Team Head Coach
Girls Soccer Team Head Coach
Kendrick High School, Columbus, GA
Football Team Assistant Coach
Special Teams
Outside Linebackers
Running Backs
Boys & Girls Soccer Team Head Coach
Boys & Girls Track and Field Assistant Coach
Miller Grove Middle School, Decatur, GA
Boys Track and Field Head Coach
Boys & Girls Track and Field Assistant Coach
Lakeside High School
Football Team Assistant Coach
Special Teams
Outside Linebackers
Running Backs
Clarkston High School
Boys & Girls TFXC Head Coach
How did you get into teaching/coaching? Did you have running in your background?
At Charlotte HS in Punta Gorda, FL, JV & Varsity sports help begin my journey as a student-athlete. April Prestipino, Wade Taylor and my wife, Toneka Etienne encouraged me to pursue a career in education. I Graduated in 1995 & attended Alabama State University on TFXC scholarship. I, then, graduated from Florida State University while learning how to coach from Harlis Meaders & Bob Braman.
What would you say is your overall coaching philosophy/motivation?
Keeping in mind that everyone can learn, my overall coaching philosophy is helping build character in the next generation and helping families succeed.
Do you have any mentors who have helped you throughout your career?
Yes. Harlis Meaders, Kevin White, Bob Braman and Andy Christie have been very inspirational to me.
How are you different now as a coach vs when you started?
I have Learned how to have quality practices that are effective instead of quantity styles of practice
What are the things about coaching that you really enjoy?
I Enjoy helping student athletes grow and learn how to adapt to the next level of choice.
What is your motivation for being a part of the GATFXCCA Mentor Program?
My motivation is more an honor to help new coaches learn from my mistakes. Help and also learn from coaches that are willing to share successful plans.
Interested in becoming a Partner of Georgia Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association?
Contact us at outreach@gatfxcca.org