He already was significantly involved with the team, so when the head coaching position became vacant, it made sense for John Bacon to take over the Washington-Liberty High School cross country program.
Bacon was officially named the new coach of the girls and boys squads in recent days. He succeeds Paulette Rigali, who coached the teams for four years.
Bacon has been Washington-Liberty’s head coach of the girls and boys indoor and outdoor track and field teams in the winter and spring for four years. While doing so, he became involved as an assistant coach with the cross country program as well.
“Paulette did a great job,” Bacon said. “When I learned she was stepping down, I asked about replacing her. It makes sense because I already know so many of the runners on the cross country team. I like the challenge and it will be a lot of fun.”
The Washington-Liberty cross country program consists of some 150 participants, with the team often having some of the top runners in the district, region and state over the years. This past season, the girls and boys teams each finished second in the annual Arlington County meet at Bluemont Park.
Bacon, a Penn State graduate, is a runner himself. He has competed in marathons for years, including being a regular participant in the Boston Marathon.
During the indoor track and field season, Bacon is currently busy coaching the W-L teams in postseason district, region and state meets.
The New Jersey native long has been involved in Arlington sports in various manners. He has been recreation-league basketball referee, coached Babe Ruth baseball and youth soccer in the county, and is a member of the Arlington Sports Commission.
Bacon graduated from Penn State in 1978, where he ran in open races for the men’s track and field team.
