Former SEMO coach recognized for success

A former Southeast Missouri State track and field coach will add another honor to the list in December.

Joey Haines, who coached men's and women's squads at Southeast for 26 years, was announced as an honoree for the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The recognition will be bestowed at a ceremony in December.

Along with his tenure at Southeast, Haines coached at Austin Peay and Lipscomb. He retired from coaching at Southeast in 2008.

This is not the first award or recognition for the longtime coach. Haines was the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year 20 times, and other awards include NCAA Division I Regional Coach of the Year, MIAA Coach of the Year (a recognition received six times) and Missouri Track & Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He's a 2002 inductee for the Missouri Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame and entered Southeast's Hall of Fame in 2008.

Coaches play an important role in the lives of athletes, and their influence can last a lifetime.

Congratulations to Haines, and thank you to all coaches who do their best to help their athletes succeed.