Javelins land one after the other as athletes cycle through their throws. Just outside the circle, head coach Nicholas Gebhardt observes, stepping in when needed, demonstrating techniques, and focusing on small adjustments. 

For KHS’s track head coach, Gebhardt, being a coach means more than teaching athletes how to throw farther or better their run for pole vaulting. He focuses on guiding athletes, building trust, and creating a positive environment at practices and meets. Now in his third spring season with the Kinnelon High School track and field program, previously an assistant coach at Walkill Valley for ten years, his coaching style has become an important part of the team.

“I enjoy coaching here because of the community,” Gebhardt states. “We have athletes who are willing to work hard, and that makes coaching enjoyable.” While his main responsibilities are throwing events and pole vaulting, he also understands the importance of being a leader. “We’re a team,” he said. “We have to represent the school the right way.”

According to head coach Laura Chegwidden, Gebhardt’s impact was noticeable right away. “He clicked pretty much immediately,” she said. “This will be his third spring season with Kinnelon, and he has had an insane impact on the athletes, especially the javelin throwers.” She added that athletes who have trained with him since their freshman year have shown clear improvement. 

Chegwidden described Gebhardt’s coaching style as focused and supportive. She said he gives clear feedback while still encouraging athletes. “He still goes above and beyond for his athletes in practice and at meets, she said. His dedication to the sport also stands out. “He’s a true student of the event,” she added. “He still practices and competes himself.”

Athletes say Gebhardt’s hands-on approach helps them feel more confident. Sophomore Greta Dilatush said he takes time to listen to his athletes. “He really has a connection with the athletes and listens to everything they say, not only about track but about everything,” she states. 

One of the main lessons Gebhardt teaches as a coach is patience. “He emphasizes that consistency is key and that results aren’t going to come immediately, Dilatush says. “He reminds us that improvement takes time.”

At practice, Gebhardt often steps in to demonstrate techniques instead of just explaining them. This helps athletes understand what they should be doing. ‘He leads by example,” Dilatush said. “If we’re not getting something, he will show us what we should be doing.”

His role as a coach goes beyond preparing athletes for meets. Dilatush shared that he advises about handling pressure and staying calm in stressful situations. “He’s influenced me beyond my performance in track because he gives good advice on working under pressure and how to act in certain situations,” she said.

One of Dilatush’s favorite memories shows the supportive relationship Gebhardt builds with his athletes. “One of my favorite memories was at the freshman and sophomore meet last year when he put me in the 200-meter running event,” she said. “I waved at him when I ran by.”

For Gebhardt, moments like these are part of what coaching is all about. He believes that his job is to help athletes grow, not just win. “Not everyone is going to be an athlete forever, he said. “But what you learn from being coached can help you later in life.”

By staying patient, supportive, and involved, Gebhardt has become more than someone who teaches throwing events at KHS. He has become a coach whom athletes trust, respect, and learn from every day.