Centralia’s Sontheimer Embraces Opportunity to be a Head Coach Again

Centralia named Ben Sontheimer its head track and field coach Tuesday. Sontheimer replaces Jim Newsted, who resigned to become the West Platte head football coach and head boys track coach. Sontheimer brings 14 years of head track and field experience.

The new head coach planned to assist the Centralia sprinters this spring before the season’s cancellation. Sontheimer guided Macon track and field for nine years before he left for Centralia last summer. The Panthers coach discusses this season’s cancellation and the state of the Centralia program.

Centralia senior pole vaulter Jake Freidel signed with Kansas track and field while fellow senior pole vaulter Lynsie Curtis signed with West Virginia. Senior thrower Lacey Pavlak signed with Kansas State. Sontheimer says he looks to continue the Panther program’s success.

Sontheimer also assisted the football and girls basketball teams in his first year at Centralia. Hear a full interview with new Centralia head track and field coach Ben Sontheimer below.

Centralia head track and field coach Ben Sontheimer: