When Charlie Post awoke on Aug. 12, he looked out a window. When Post saw it was raining, he initially thought what he would do to conduct his cross country practice. However, Post then quickly he was no longer at the helm of the program.

At the end of the school year in June, Post announced his retirement from a 37-year-career as an English teacher in the Catasauqua school district. As well as leaving the classroom, Post decided to resign from his role as head cross country coach at the school, a position he held for the past seven seasons.

Last season Post also joined the school's track and field program as an assistant coach. In addition, post has been an assistant girls' basketball coach at Allentown Central Catholic the past 11 seasons.

"Financially, it was the right time for me to retire (from teaching)," said Post. "When I go the track job, I thought it was time to resign from one of my coaching positions. I believe the cross country program is in a solid state and it is a good time to move on from there."

In his seven seasons, Post had transformed the program from a pretender to a contender. They posted 20 wins last season and had 12 victories the previous season. Recently graduated senior Anthony Brinkley set two school records in cross country and advanced to the state meet. He also won the 800 at the Colonial League meet.

Post was replaced by Kyle Rusnock, an assistant wrestling coach at the school. His brother, Jacob, was a former cross country runner in the program. Longtime assistant coach Dave Burker will remain with the program.

"The (cross country) program has really grown over the years," said Post. "It has been a true testament to the kids who have worked very hard to help elevate the program. We have worked to develop some outstanding runners and overall depth in the program.

"I know Kyle (Rusnock) will do and outstanding job and he will likely bring some wrestlers into the program. Last year, I believe I was able to recruit some potential runners from the track program.

"It was time for me to go, and the program will be in good hands."

Post recalled his first 12 years of coaching, spending five years with the Catasauqua boys' program and then seven years with the Central Catholic boys' team. Afterwards, he took a 14-year hiatus to spend time with his family.

He returned to the coaching ranks in 2002 when he received a phone call from Central Catholic athletic director Mike Kopp to gauge his interest in joining the girls' program, and he has been a mainstay on the staff. Post also spent one season as head coach of the Roughies' girls' program in 2009.

In his retirement, Post has vowed to spend one hour daily with recreational reading and another one hour with exercising. An active runner, Post also has been troubled by some knee ailments.

Yet, Post plans to reach his goals like he has guiding teams in his post. He will soon be 60 years old and plans to run the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon next spring.

"So far, I haven't been too productive reaching either of them," chuckled Post, who is in his second month of retirement. "I'll also start playing golf. I also have committed myself to run (half marathon).

"I haven't done it yet, but I know will be able to reach them (goals) soon."

Like he has in the past, Post will make the most of his new challenges.