Reflections of a Track Coach: Alisa Wise Looks Back at 20 Years

Camas, WA — Sitting in the main Commons area at Camas High School (CHS) as the rain falls with great intensity, veteran CHS Track Coach, Alisa Wise, reflects on coaching a sport she loves, and why this was her last season.

On background, she started coaching in Utah, then became the assistant coach at Washougal, before her long run at Camas.

So, what are some of the top things Wise learned as a coach?

“After coaching for 20 years, I’ve learned that relationships are most important,” said Wise. “I’ve learned that you don’t remember the specifics of most meets, or the medals, but you remember the laughter, the moments on the bus, the disappointments, the emotions — all the things that aren’t attached to the points. I remember coming home from Jesuit — at midnight — to the kids dancing to the music on the bus. You do remember the crazy meets, you know the ones with ALL the rain and cold, the girl that got clipped with spikes, and cut her cheek open, and the trip to the ER. You remember the big blue van breaking down, and having to go rescue all the hammer throwers.”

Wise also said she’s learned to be more relaxed, and to keep perspective. Where she used to let her identity be tied to a victory or loss, it’s not like that anymore.

“The kids’ reactions have shaped me,” she said. “I still hate to lose, and I really like to win, but I’m able to let it go when the game is over. Sports teaches you hard things, and if things don’t go your way you, don’t let it crush you.”

She also emphasizes to NOT let the expectation level get too high, urging athletes to be push themselves, but to be honest and realistic with their abilities.

“You see some kids participate that may never place, but they can be part of a team,” she said. “You never know when a kid will have his or her moment.”

What are some the greatest accomplishments at CHS?

“Winning Oregon Relays in 2011 and 2014,” Wise said, without any hesitation. “That’s bigger than State! Plus, we’ve taken this small 3A school without much success, and turned it into a larger program with a lot of depth. These great kids continue to work hard, and they know how to represent.”

Wise is also touched by so many alumni who return and coach the sport.

“Look at Sienna Pittasi who now coaches at Heritage,” she added. “Tanner Boyd is coaching at Western Washington.”

Alumni Perspectives on Alisa

“The first thing you’ll notice about Coach wise is her smile and her individuality,” said Grayson Anderson, CHS Class of 2014. “I remember, it was the State track meet, I was in contention for winning the whole thing, and being the nervous 18 year-old I was I look to Coach Wise all the way across the track, leaning against the fence for advice. She waves me over and the first thing she does is crack a joke. As much as I wanted to be serious, I laughed and totally forgot why I even came over. In the biggest meet of the year, a jump away from a state title, here she is making me laugh. And this is Alisa’s gift. Her ability to connect with her athletes and discover what makes them laugh, smile, cry, what drives them and what will spark a fire inside them, is very special. She knew I needed to laugh and just relax even when I didn’t know that’s what I needed. Alisa Wise is so much more than a coach. She is a mentor, a friend and one of the most caring and involved individuals I’ve ever met. Her attention to detail and her passion are what make Coach Wise so exceptional at her craft.”

“In big, stressful moments, she knew what to say to get me zoned in and ready to go,” said Anderson. “But the moments we’ve shared off the track, traveling to meets, sharing life experiences and just getting to know each other are what I appreciate most about her. She has a huge heart and truly cares about each and every athlete. Her team is her family. To this day Alisa and I have stayed in touch and regardless of how much time has passed she always greets me with a big smile, a big hug and a dozen questions about how my family and I are doing. And that’s what we love about her. She is a one of a kind soul, an exceptional coach and an amazing friend.”

“She was my High Jump coach and I always appreciated her energy!” said Adam Peterson, CHS class of 2014. “She always made me excited to be out there and she was always eager to give us chances to learn and grow not just as athletes but as leaders.”

What’s Next?

“Well, I’ll still teach,” said Wise. “I’m not dead. I just won’t have the time commitment that comes with coaching. It really begins in early January, and goes all the way to May. High school sports requires some much energy, and you simply have no balance in your life during the season. I need to focus on my grandkids, my family.”

She regrets missing her son’s birthdays through the years, but “they’ve forgiven me.”

Going forward, Wise will continue to compete individualy, and plans to do some specialized coaching. She’s just gotten certified as a USA Triathlon coach.

“I’m so grateful for all the coaches, and the support they’ve given me over the years,” she concluded. “Love Rod Raunig (the boys head coach). We worked very well together, we complement each other. I love Track, it’s been a part of me since I was 10. It’s part of my identity, and it will always be a part of me.”