Track and Field Coach new opportunities in St George |
Insights on Snow Canyon High School and Southern Utah University Athletics |
The community in St. George is abuzz with news about significant changes involving Snow Canyon High School and Southern Utah University athletics, particularly their track and field programs.
Residents have long admired the dedication of their local track and field coach whose energy and commitment have been a driving force for high school athletics in the area.
Now, with fresh coaching opportunities emerging, the landscape for track athletes in Southern Utah is experiencing a notable transformation.
Many were surprised and excited to learn that a longtime mentor, Justin Redfearn, from Snow Canyon High has stepped into an assistant coaching role with the SUU Thunderbirds.
This transition means one of the region’s most respected high school coaches will now split his efforts between teaching and supporting collegiate athletes at the next level.
The decision carries both excitement and challenge, as taking on dual responsibilities requires an undeniable level of dedication and perseverance.
The hour-long commute between St. George and Cedar City hasn't deterred his ambition—if anything, it demonstrates a serious passion for nurturing talent both in the classroom and on the track.
Those close to the Snow Canyon High School community say the positive energy created by his tenure will continue, as trusted assistant coaches step up to lead boys' and girls' track, as well as cross-country.
High expectations now rest upon this next generation of mentors, but the foundation laid by their predecessor offers strong momentum for sustained achievement.
Many in Southern Utah believe that the relationship between high school and college athletics is invaluable, often helping local athletes realize their academic and athletic dreams.
Through years of championship appearances, broken records, and region-wide respect, this track and field program has influenced the lives of countless student-athletes.
Now, SUU’s new staff—billed as one of the strongest in mid-major Division I sports—will try to carry forward this culture of excellence, hoping to inspire future recruits from St. George and beyond.
As the fall season approaches, anticipation grows to see how these coaching changes at both institutions will impact track and field prospects—locally and for Thunderbirds fans. |
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Southern Utah track and field gets overlooked sometimes but stories like this show there is serious talent and dedication down here. About time people noticed.
Dual role coaching is becoming more common but it takes a really organized person to pull it off well. Rooting for him to manage it.
Talked to some current Snow Canyon kids and they are nervous about the change but also excited to see what the new coaches bring. Natural reaction I think.
The records and championships Snow Canyon racked up under his watch speak for themselves. That legacy does not just disappear overnight.
Been following SUU athletics for a long time and this kind of local hire is exactly what builds trust with the community. Love it.
Good coaches find a way. A one hour commute is nothing when you love what you do. Wishing him the best up in Cedar City.
Fred LarsonTotally agree. People act like the drive is some huge sacrifice. If you are passionate about coaching you make it work.
Does anyone know if the assistant coaches stepping up at Snow Canyon are already familiar to the kids or are they bringing in new faces?
Amanda JoFrom what I heard the assistants have been part of the program for a while now so they are not strangers to the kids. But I could be wrong, hopefully someone with more info chimes in.
SUU calling it one of the strongest mid-major staffs is bold. Lets see them back that up on the track this season.
My kids went to Snow Canyon and the track program always had such a positive culture. That doesnt happen by accident. Credit to him.
Wendy ChristensenSame experience here. My daughter ran for Snow Canyon and she still talks about how that program shaped her work ethic. It really did come from the top down.
Splitting time between high school teaching and college coaching sounds exhausting. Something usually gives eventually. Hope it works out.
Articles like this make me proud to live here. St George has some real talent and coaches who care about growing it.
The pipeline between Snow Canyon and SUU could get really interesting now. Makes sense to have someone who knows both sides.
run_stgeorgeExactly, he already knows a lot of the local kids and families. That kind of trust is hard to build from scratch and SUU basically gets it for free.
Coach Redfearn coached my nephew a few years back. One of the most encouraging people in the whole program. Cedar City gains a good one.
Hope the student athletes at Snow Canyon still get the same attention and resources. The kids there deserve continuity not just a hand off.
concerned_parentThat continuity piece is so important. Hopefully the assistants already have relationships with the current kids so it does not feel like starting over mid stride.
Mid-major Division I is tough. Glad they are going after quality coaches to compete. This is a step in the right direction.
JakeM_SGUAgreed. Mid-major recruiting is brutal and you have to sell your staff just as much as your facilities. Moves like this matter.
That drive up I-15 every day though. Hope they give him some gas money at least lol.
As a SUU fan this is great news. We need coaches who know the local talent and can recruit right here in southern Utah.
Been watching Snow Canyon track for years. Redfearn turned that program into something the whole region respected. Big shoes to fill.
SUU track has been building something special lately. Adding a coach with his high school pedigree is a smart move.
Rachel KimThe staff they have been putting together is no joke. Adding someone who has actually developed young athletes from scratch at the high school level is a different kind of experience than most college coaches bring.
Good for him but I hope Snow Canyon doesnt take a step back. Losing a head coach mid program is always risky.
stg_local_77That was my first thought too. The assistant coaches stepping up better be ready. A lot of parents are going to be watching closely this season.
My daughter ran cross country under his coaching and she credits him for getting a college scholarship. This guy changes lives for real.
Who are the assistants taking over the high school program? Would love to know more about that transition before getting too excited.
So proud of what he built at Snow Canyon. Those kids loved him. Bittersweet but exciting for sure.
That commute from St George to Cedar City every day is no joke. Dude is serious about this.
Justin Redfearn is the real deal. My son ran for Snow Canyon and Coach Redfearn pushed him harder than anyone. SUU is lucky to have him.