Casey Howell’s work ethic is well known throughout coaching circles across the state. 

And because of that, the Cold Springs coach is now getting his just due at a more comprehensive level. 

Howell was recently selected the 2022-23 boys cross country coach of the year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) after leading the Eagles to the Class 1A-2A state championship back in 2022. 

The NFHS doles out its awards in the summer following the second most recent academic year. 

Howell also guided the Eagles to the “Triple Crown” in 2023-24 — as Cold Springs’ boys won the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track state meets. The girls also won a title in cross country. 

“Just really blessed,” Howell said. “I promise the person who deserves it least is me. It all goes back to the administration, my assistant coaches, the runners, the parents — everyone but me played a much bigger part in all this. I am truly humbled. I reflect on these past few years all the time and always come back to one thought — only God. Because only through Him could any of this be dreamt about, let alone become reality.”