James Wood names new track, swimming coaches

Star Staff Report Oct 31, 2017

WINCHESTER — James Wood High School has named Mike Onda its new track and field coach and Alan Cavanagh its new swimming coach, according to a Frederick County Public Schools press release issued on Monday.

Onda has served as an assistant track coach at James Wood since 2000 and has been the Colonels’ head cross country coach since 2004. In addition to outdoor track, Onda will direct the Colonels’ indoor track team, which will be an official sport at the school for the first time since 1994.

Onda succeeds Matt Stegmaier, who resigned after 12 years to spend more time with his family.

“Coach Onda has been a key part of our running program for over 16 years,” James Wood coordinator of student activities Craig Woshner said. “It was clear to us that with his experience in different event areas, knowledge of the program and ability to get students involved in track, he was the best candidate for the position.”

Cavanagh succeeds Elizabeth Mumaw who resigned as the Colonels’ swimming coach in order to take a position as an assistant track and field coach at James Wood. She also serves as an assistant coach for James Wood’s cross country team.

Cavanagh was a diver at Providence College from 1988-92 and he has coached the Clearbrook Dolphins swim team for the past three years.

“He’s familiar with our program since his daughter, Rachel, is a member of the team,” Woshner said. “In addition, he has worked extensively with many of our swimmers as the coach of the Clearbrook Dolphins and through his work as a meet official.”