For Immediate Release
July 21, 2025
Mason, Ohio — The Mason Athletic Department is proud to announce the hiring of Tim Pitcher as the new head coach of the Mason Boys Cross Country program. Pending Board of Education approval, Pitcher will succeed long-time Comet legend Tom Rapp this fall, taking the helm of one of Ohio’s premier distance-running programs.
Pitcher is no stranger to Comet Country. Since joining the Mason coaching staff in 2017 as an assistant coach, he has played an integral role in the team’s recent era of dominance — helping guide the boys' team to three state championships and two state runner-up finishes.
“I am honored to be entrusted with leading the Mason boys' cross country team following Coach Rapp,” said Pitcher. “I’ve learned so much under his leadership and am excited to continue building on the incredible foundation of excellence and tradition he’s established.”
Pitcher brings an elite background as both a coach and athlete. He was a three-time NCAA Division I All-American in the mile/1500m while at the University of Tennessee, where he remains the school record holder in the 1500m, with his team winning the 1991 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship. During his collegiate career, he also competed multiple times at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Before his collegiate success, Pitcher was a standout high school runner in Michigan, helping lead his team to a 1988 state cross country championship and earning an individual runner-up finish that year. He was a top-10 state finisher for three consecutive seasons.
In addition to his cross-country duties, Pitcher has also contributed significantly to the Mason Boys Track & Field program. He and his wife, Wendy, reside in Mason and have four sons, all of whom have competed in varsity athletics for the Comets.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence, character, and hard work that has become the hallmark of Mason Cross Country,” said Pitcher.
With Pitcher at the helm, the Comets look to continue their strong legacy as one of Ohio’s most successful and respected cross-country programs.
About Mason Boys Cross Country
Boys XC State Champs: 2008, 2014, 2021, 22, 24 Runner-up: 2012, 2015, 2019, 9x Regional Champs, 16x District Champs, 13x GMC Champs
Submitted by:
Dan Hilen
Sports Information Director
Mason City Schools
