Flintridge Prep Girls Cross Country Coach Michael Roffina Announces 2016 Season Was His Last

Courtesy of Kelsey Denham, Flintridge Prep, Assistant Director of Communications

La Cañada Flintridge — After 19 years and an unprecedented three consecutive state championship wins, Michael Roffina is stepping down from his role as girls cross country co-coach at Flintridge Prep. He was hired as director of human development and history faculty member, and he became assistant coach when the opportunity arose in 1996, the first year the girls and boys teams were separated. He then served as head coach for 11 years and co-coach for seven alongside Jill Henry. He will continue on at Flintridge Prep as a history faculty member and as director of human development.

“I leave with no regrets, in the same way I always tell my team to race with no regrets,” he says. “I’m leaving the program in really great shape...I’m happy for them and looking forward to seeing what they come up with next year.”

During his nearly two decades coaching, Roffina, 63, has contributed dedication, commitment and mentorship to the cross country team. Under his leadership, the girls achieved six Prep League championship titles, three state championship titles (2014-2016) and five CIF championship titles (four consecutive in 2013-2016). He has also been named Co-Coach of the Year three times by the Pasadena Star-News.

“Michael initially brought stability and consistency to a moribund program,” says Athletic Director Garrett Ohara, “and, in more recent years, top level performance with the influx of gifted runners. He is their advocate, looking out for their health and well-being. He provides comfort and assurance along with wisdom and guidance and treats all runners with equal respect.”

“We are all about team first,” Roffina says. “The success of our program in terms of how competitive we’ve been is really a byproduct of the central focus, which is human development.”

Jill Henry will remain on as the girls varsity head coach, with Beth Pattinelli continuing as assistant coach. Henry has co-coached with Roffina since 2010, and this was Pattinelli’s first year assisting.