wes kirton - cross country coach of the year 2023, 2024, 2025
Wes Kirton - Canyon High
Why Honored: Longtime boys cross country coach at his alma mater, Kirton led the Eagles to the 2022 Class 4A state title in dominating fashion. Canyon won with 40 points, easily being out La Feria, which had 107 points. Three of Kirton's athletes ended in the top 12. Kirton and his team ended the season undefeated.
In 2023, Kirton once again led the Eagles to a Class 4A state title. The team ended the meet with an astonishing 56 points, easily overtaking runner up La Feria's 105 points. Three of Kirton's runners ended in the top seven overall.
Wes Kirton has established a powerhouse at Canyon High School, leading the Eagles to their third consecutive UIL Class 4A state championship in 2024. Under Kirton’s guidance, Canyon excelled at the state meet in Round Rock, scoring just 48 points and finishing well ahead of second-place Salado (103). The Eagles finished in 1st, 3rd, 12th, 18th, and 28th places, securing the program’s seventh overall state title.
Kirton’s 2024 squad was nearly unstoppable all season. At the Region I-4A meet, Canyon recorded a staggering 17 points—an almost unheard-of total at that level—while runner-up Dumas trailed far behind with 95 points. The Eagles also swept the district meet with a perfect score of 15.
