With legendary Mason boys cross country coach Tom Rapp retired, Comets usher in new coach

With legendary Mason boys cross country coach Tom Rapp retiring after the conclusion of last season, the Comets had to search for a new program leader for a team that won the 2024 Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I title. The search didn't take them far.

Mason announced on July 21 that Tim Pitcher, an assistant for the team since 2017, will take over as the boys cross country head coach.

“I am honored to be entrusted with leading the Mason boys' cross country team following Coach Rapp,” Pitcher said in a release. “I’ve learned so much under his leadership and am excited to continue building on the incredible foundation of excellence and tradition he’s established.”

Mason has won three state championships in cross country since Pitcher joined the staff, winning in 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Pitcher was a state champion as a high schooler in Michigan before going to Tennessee, where he was a three-time All-American in the 1,500-meter race. Tennessee won the 1991 track and field championship while Pitcher was on the team.

Ursuline Academy hires new soccer coach

After a 4-12-1 season in 2024, Ursuline Academy announced the hiring of a new soccer head coach. The Lions will go into 2025 will Erin Loftus leading the program. Loftus, who also coaches for Cincinnati United Soccer Club, is a Seton graduate who played for Ohio University.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mason names Tom Rapp's successor as new boys cross country head coach