For the past 35 years, Mr. Dave Chatelaine has made an impact on OHS students. Mr. Chatelaine has been an Owatonna cross country and track and field coach for 35 years at OHS and coached for five years prior at Totino Grace High School. 

Mr. Chatelaine has made many memories throughout his time as an athlete.

“One of my first memories that really inspired me was the 1972 Olympics. Watching those top guys run like Frank Shorter and many others helped inspire me to continue running and getting to run at the University of Minnesota,” said Coach Chatelaine.

Coach Chatelaine has coached many seasons for Owatonna and has made many memories coaching many state competitors. 

“Last year’s season has been one of my best memories. Third place at true team state, fifth at state, lots of people went to state, conference and section championships. It was an awesome year,” said Coach Chatelaine. 

Senior captain David Smith has been coached by Mr. Chatelaine for cross country and track and field. 

“My favorite memory from Coach Chatelaine is after our section 4x800m relay. He ran up to us smiling and giving us all high fives before telling us that we broke the school record. It was really cool to be in that moment with the coach that has been with me the whole way,” said Smith.

Mr. Luke Holt is going to be taking over for coach Chatelaine. Mr. Holt has been the assistant coach with Coach Chatelaine for a number of years.

“Coach Holt is young, fired up, and ready to go. He is going to do great with the program and he will continue the quality of the Owatonna cross country and track teams,” said Coach Chatelaine

Smith is expecting another great season with their new coach, Luke Holt. 

Smith said, “We have a lot of returners that ran cross country this year coming off a strong season. Coach Holt studied all of Coach Chatelaine’s workouts that helped him succeed and is using many of those for us this year. He is adjusting some workouts to fit each individual better to help build the program along with continuing Coach Chatelaine’s traditions from the past.”