Long farewell
- Updated: April 28, 2023
Donoho track and cross country coach informs the team before sectionals that she will step aside after fall cross country season
By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today
Donoho’s track team got a little extra motivation headed into sectional competition this morning.
Their seventh-year coach announced this will be her final postseason.
Hayley Long informed the team that she will step down. This will be her last postseason with the track and field team, and she will coach the cross country team in the fall.
Active in the running community beyond coaching Donoho, her plate has become quite full. Last fall, she started a non-profit elite team called Alabama Kenyan Runners. She has her own small vinyl business,Tailgate Tunes.
She’s also the Anniston Runner’s Club treasurer and Woodstock 5K race Director. This year’s Woodstock, set for Aug. 5, will serve as the national Road Runners Club of America 5K championship.
“This is a huge responsibility and takes lots of organization,” Long said. “All that being said, the final decision was made when I found out next year’s track sectionals is when my son is graduating from Samford. State meet is the weekend of the RRCA convention, and I would like to attend next year.”
Long said she informed Donoho athletics director Steve Gendron, who will be looking for her replacement over the summer.
Long’s Donoho girls’ teams have won sectional since 2019, and the boys won sectional in 2019. She’s also coached state individual champions and several top-three finishers.
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