As a long-time runner, Adam Willis knows dedication to the activity is a key to success. He knows there’s one other key. Fun. Willis has been named the Hutchinson High School head cross country coach for the 2015-16 school year. Willis, a technology teacher at Hutchinson Middle School – 8, takes over for long-time coach Lisa Bonds, who stepped down after the 2014 season. “My philosophy is that you have to work hard and be dedicated in order to be good, but you have to have fun at it,” Willis said Wednesday. “Finding ways to make it fun for kids is one of my goals.” Willis has considerable running experience himself. He was a three-time all-stater at Class 3A Hoisington High School, placing 20th, second and third in the state. He ran collegiately at Butler County Community College and at Pittsburg State University. While at Butler, he was an All American, placing 20th, and was a member of the second place NJCAA team. He also was an assistant coach for Pitt State’s 2007 national qualifying cross country team. In his second year as an educator for the district, Willis knows some of the student athletes he will coach next fall, which Eric Armstrong, district athletic director, sees as an advantage. “Coach Willis brings a successful background as a high school and collegiate cross country runner,” Armstrong said. “I believe his knowledge and love of the sport will enable him to build a strong rapport with our cross country athletes. “Adam has been a teacher and coach within the district for several years so he knows the kids in the program as well as the students who will be coming up. I believe that will be a big advantage in getting things off to a successful start this fall.” During his tenure in USD 308, Willis has been an assistant coach at HMS-8 for volleyball and track. He’s also been a football coach and track coach, serving as head track coach at Remington High School in 2013. “In visiting with Adam, I know he is excited to meet with the kids and set up workouts for the summer,” Armstrong said. “It will be exciting to see how Coach Willis leads the program in a new direction while building upon a strong foundation created by Coach Bonds.”