Paul Hugus
River Hill
Hugus guided the Hawks to their first state title since 2007, which was his first year as the team's coach.
Working with veteran coach Earl Lauer (who coaches the girls), Hugus helped the River Hill boys improve as the season went along, and they really took off in the postseason.
The Hawks scored easy victories in the Howard County and Class 3A East Region meets, then crushed the field at the state meet, beating runner-up Atholton by 60 points. Two Hawks finished in the top 10
"We set the goals high [county, region and state titles], and the athletes united behind that goal," Hugus said. "I think this team is special because they really liked to challenge each other in practices and in competition while keeping the atmosphere light."