Coaching Staff

Head Coach

Heather Alexander

Education: I have a BA in Social Work from West Chester University in PA.

Running Experience: Although I was a recreational runner, in 2009 I began training for races, mostly 5k, half-marathon and Spartan Races - they were a ton of fun!

Years Involved with FHS: In 2012 I helped launch the first XC team for FHS then a few years later we started a track team. I have been coaching here ever since.

Other Favorite Activities: I love cycling - you might see me out and about on the road in my red Clifton Cycling Club kit!

List church and/or youth group you’re involved in: I have been a member of Redeeming Grace since 2000, when we were stationed here with the U.S. Army.

Why do you want to run/coach Track and Field? While I love helping athletes reach their potential physically, I really love the relational aspect of mentoring the next generation spiritually. It is a privilege to pray for my athletes and walk through life together.

Anything else you want us to know? Track season is my favorite season of the year!

Assistant Coach

Andy Swiston

Education: Completed a grad degree in economics several years ago—it was a great feeling to be done!

Running Experience: Coach Swiston ran competitively at the Division I level at Valparaiso University.

Years Involved with FHS: He is in his fourth year coaching FHS FHS runners.

Other Favorite Activities: Reading the Bible and spending time with family (my wife Kristen and 5 kids).

List church and/or youth group you’re involved in: Member of Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria.

Why do you want to run/coach XC? Coach Swiston seeks to help kids grow in both pursuing Christ and becoming competitive athletes. He sees running as a sport where every athlete can improve no matter their starting point and enjoys developing a positive team dynamic where everyone encourages and spurs on one another. The highs and lows along the way are great reminders of our need to look to Christ for identity and satisfaction—a principle God drove home in coach’s own running career.

Longer-term, I hope this season will help the athletes grow to enjoy running and keep it up as a lifelong source of enjoyment and fitness.

Anything else you want us to know? He and his wife Kristen have two sons and a daughter on the team, a son who ran before graduating, and a younger daughter.

Assistant Coach

Greg Ridlington

Education: I have a BM in music from the University of North Texas and a MM from the New England Conservatory.

Running Experience: I discovered the joy of running for it's own sake in my mid 30s when I got the "marathon bug". Before recovering, I ran 6 marathons, including the Boston marathon the year of the bombing. I was self coached and read lots about how to improve and experimented on myself.

Years Involved with FHS: I have been involved with FHS for three years.

Other Favorite Activities: I love to read, cycle, and play and listen to music.

List church and/or youth group you’re involved in: I am a member of Del Ray Baptist Church and have been for over 10 years.

Why do you want to run/coach XC? I love helping kids grow both spiritually and physically through running.

Anything else you want us to know? I am a saxophonist in "The President's Own" United States Marine Band.

Assistant Coach

Zek Garcia

Education: I was homeschooled up to my senior year of high school. I am currently going to NOVA community College.

Running Experience: I ran track from 2019 to 2022 with FHS. I was an assistant coach for track last season.

Years Involved with FHS: 4 years as an athlete and 2 years as a coach

Other Favorite Activities: I enjoy fishing, playing basketball, and playing videogames.

List church and/or youth group you’re involved in: Arlington Baptist Church.

Why do you want to run/coach Track and Field? I want to help teach athletes how to improve their running skills as well as encourage them to work hard and glorify God.

Anything else you want us to know? I look forward to seeing all the athletes' improvement over the course of this season.