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Flintridge Prep’s Herskind caps phenomenally successful coaching career

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A decorated career that spanned more than two decades and included awards and accolades galore has concluded for Flintridge Prep’s Ingrid Herskind.

The 21-year Rebels boys’ cross-country coach announced Thursday that she was resigning her post.

Herskind was named Flintridge Prep’s Global Studies Coordinator in 2017, an administrative position, and will remain as the boys’ and girls’ swimming coach.

In her place, assistant coach Scott Jung was elevated to head coach, while Eric Kleinsasser will continue as an assistant.

“I have always talked to the guys about taking risks and challenging themselves — and I feel that I am ready to take on new challenges both professionally and personally,” Herskind stated in a school press release. “It’s never an easy time to step down, but I know that I am leaving the team in great hands with head coach Scott Jung and assistant coach Eric Kleinsasser. We have built an amazing running climate and I am proud to have worked with these young men over the past 21 years. I can’t wait to see them take on new challenges.”

The stats were amazing for Herskind.

Since Herskind took over in 1997, the Rebels captured 20 of the Prep League’s last 21 championships with the lone year the squad didn’t win coming in 2009.

Her Rebels won six CIF Southern Section championships with individuals winning five titles. At state, Herskind took home five crowns and finished in the top three 16 times with two state individual titlists to boot.

Herskind also boasted a pair of All-American runners in Alan Yoho (2013) and Jack Van Scoter (2015).

“I was happy that my (2015) team was able to give her one last state championship before she departed,” said Van Scoter, a two-time All-Area Boys’ Cross-Country Runner of the Year and the 2015-16 Boys’ Athlete of the Year. “I feel for the guys on the program who are losing an incredible coach. Hersh will be missed.

“The good thing is that Scott Jung and Eric Kleinsasser both really care about the program and have been around for a while, too. The team is in good hands.”

Flintridge Prep athletic director Garrett Ohara issued a statement that read: “Ingrid’s record speaks for itself and apart from the myriad titles and accomplishments, her impact upon the individuals cannot be understated or overlooked. She is a coach who truly values the process over the end product, and her influence extended throughout the state.”

This past season, the Rebels captured a Prep League crown, finished third at the CIF Southern Section Division V Championships and fourth at the CIF State Championships with senior Evan Pattinelli capturing Southern Section and state individual crowns.

As for the future of Flintridge Prep boys’ cross-country, Ohara feels the program is heading in the right direction.

“We are thrilled to have Scott take over,” Ohara stated in the press release. “He is eager to carry on the tradition of excellence while bringing his unique personality as the successor. He has gained the respect of the team during his tenure as an assistant coach.”

Jung, a South Pasadena High and UCLA alumnus, has assisted the cross-country team for a season and has spent three years on track.

“It’s an honor to be named the next head coach of the boys’ program,” Jung said. “I had the privilege to work with Ingrid this past fall and I learned from one of the best, so this feels real good.”

andrew.campa@latimes.com

Twitter @campadresports

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