The 2025 Cross Country season is in full swing, and while the roster is always different, the coaches haven’t changed. The three coaches, David Barkley, Josh Finck, and Luis Gallardo, all fulfill different roles in leading the team, but work together to make the season successful.
Mr. Finck, the weight training teacher, is one of the team’s assistant coaches. When asked about how he works to form the season, he said, “I’m always talking to Barkley. We compare ideas and listen to each other. He sets the plans in motion, and I reinforce them.”
His role is supportive, as Barkley is the leader, but the marriage of the two makes for the best season.
He also says that he always wants student athletes to trust him no matter what, and he knows what’s in their best interest. But his main point was that coaching is fun, and he enjoys it. “It’s the highlight of my day. I’m lucky to coach during and after school.”
Mr. Gallardo, who is known as Coach G, has his own specialties. His main role is to form a bridge between middle school and high school XC. Middle school students represent the future of the Wilsonville team, so it’s important to form bonds with them early so they keep running.
Gallardo also says, “I’m a naturally joyous person and am as positive as I can be to the athletes, without being dishonest. It’s how I talk to my students, too. I have individual conversations with the athletes when I can.” Finck likes to call G the “yes” coach.
Mr. Barkley is the head coach and leader of the team. He says, “I set the overall goals and delegate, but trust the other coaches, who are good people. My goal is to facilitate ‘meaningful time.’ Not to dictate, but to facilitate.” He’s less a coach and more a shepherd.
Students have their own thoughts on the coaches. Freshman Everett Martin, a newcomer to Wilsonville Cross Country, says that “Finck pushes us, but it pays off, G spreads positivity very well, and Barkley is a great leader. And he’s funny. They work well together as a group of coaches.”
Senior Brady Grant has been running on the team all four years. He says, “[The coaches] all do their own thing very well. Barkley knows how the game is played. G is a real team player. Finck knows lots about [strength and exercise].” The freshmen and seniors had similar outputs.
With the season halfway through, the coaches will have to work especially hard to ensure success at Districts and State. While the coaches have different personalities and fulfill different roles, they work best as a team.