Jeff Turcotte: A Legacy of Excellence in St. Pius X Cross Country
For 37 years, the St. Pius X cross country program has thrived under the leadership of Jeff Turcotte, a coach whose influence extends far beyond the finish line. Turcotte, who also serves as the Enrollment Director for St. Pius X School, first got into coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of New Mexico, found his passion for the sport when asked to take a group of runners to a meet at New Mexico State University. That experience ignited a lifelong commitment to coaching, leading him to St. Pius X in 1988, where he has been the head cross country coach ever since.
This year, Coach Turcotte has been named a finalist for the 2025 National Coach of the Year in Girls Cross Country by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA). This prestigious recognition places him among the top eight cross country coaches in the nation, a testament to his dedication and success over nearly four decades.
A Humbling Honor
For Turcotte, this nomination is more than just a personal achievement—it is a reflection of the countless athletes he has coached and the unwavering support from his wife, Doris.
“It’s humbling, and I’m thankful for the years of athletes who have given their all to this program,” Turcotte said. “And for my wife, for sharing my time with the sport.”
The NHSACA selection process considers factors such as longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years, and winning percentage. With 37 district championships in track and cross country and 24 state trophies (2nd and 3rd place finishes), Turcotte’s resume speaks for itself. He has been named District Coach of the Year 21 times, State Coach of the Year 7 times, and was recently inducted into the New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2024, New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coaches Association 2024 Coach of the Year, Hall of Honor 2025.
Building a Championship Program
Turcotte credits much of his coaching foundation to his high school and college coaches, as well as the Henry family, a well-respected name in New Mexico coaching circles. His philosophy is simple but impactful: be there for your athletes, show sincere concern for their happiness in the sport, and remember that words have power.
One of his proudest moments came in 1990, when St. Pius X won its first district cross country title, followed by a dramatic 1993 district track championship victory by just half a point over Albuquerque Academy. These milestones, among many others, have solidified the Sartans as one of the state’s premier programs.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Beyond the championships and accolades, Turcotte takes the most pride in watching “normal kids find extraordinary success.” He believes in fostering a strong team culture rooted in support and camaraderie, all while maintaining “very cool uniforms,” he jokes. In his early years, he built relationships with his athletes by training alongside them. Now, his athletes trust in his history and experience, knowing they are in the hands of a dedicated mentor.
Reflecting on his career, Turcotte acknowledges that his hiring at St. Pius X in 1993 as a full-time coach by Father Schwenzer was a turning point. The school has been his home ever since, and he remains grateful for the opportunity to coach generations of young runners.
Balancing Coaching & Life
Outside of coaching, Turcotte enjoys running, traveling, working around the house, and watching football. He shares his life with his wife, Doris, and their daughters, Ashley and Tessa, both graduates of St. Pius X. He emphasizes the importance of balance, advising young coaches to take the off-season seriously and not get too caught up in winning.
His advice to aspiring coaches? “Be a role model with your fitness and kindness. Understand that you are in one of the most important positions—one that shapes lives with every action.”
As Coach Turcotte prepares for the NHSACA National Coach of the Year Banquet on June 25, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the entire St. Pius X community stands behind him, celebrating his remarkable career and the legacy he continues to build. Regardless of the final result, he has already secured his place as one of the greatest coaches in New Mexico high school history.
