Geoff Laird is coming home to Freedom High School as the new head track and field coach for the Patriots.

Laird taught at Freedom part time and was a football coach there, before taking a full time job at Salisbury High School. When Diane Jordan stopped teaching to become Freedom's athletic director, Laird took her place.

"It's nice to be back. It's a great place to teach and coach," Laird said.

Laird was a thrower in high school and college and is looking forward to his new role as head coach.

"I'm looking forward to the kids competing, seeing kids get better, seeing their success. That's why I'm in it," he said. "I'm not the one doing it. It's great to see kids succeed, and then, when they're done competing, walk around with their heads held high."

Laird will be assisted by cross country coach, Bob Thear, who will coach the distance runners, Tim Carnes, who is returning to coach the sprinters, and newcomer, Aadeera Best for jumpers and hurdlers.

"Tim ran club track with [Aadeera]. She's a great addition. She's a high school track official and still competes on her own. She's very knowledgeable," said Laird.

Although the Patriots roster is incomplete as of Press deadlines, some returners will most likely include thrower, Gia Erie, sprinters, Tony Flatts, Skylar Freyling, Kayla Northington, Juwan Northington, Victor Gonzalez, and distance runners, Shaina Palmer, Chris Kelly, Jason Lopez, and Ben Ziegler.

"The distance kids will be a strength because they did real well in the fall. As long as the kids continue to work now and be coachable, we'll be well-balanced," Laird said.

The only thing standing in the Patriots' way is the leftover snow on the ground.

"We just started to run outside. We haven't been able to throw, and we're not able to jump inside. As far as high jumping, we have no facility," said Laird.

The track and field season is scheduled to open on March 24.

"Everybody's in the same boat," Laird said.