Head Coach: Cross Country & Track & Field: Stephen Rennie
Coach Rennie has served as the Head Track & Field and Head Cross Country Coach at Islander for the past eight years. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he grew up running cross country and distance track, while also dabbling in all manner of team sports. Coach Rennie is a proud Wazzu grad. As part of the Rally Squad in the mid-90s, he could be spotted on gamedays driving the helmet car onto the field at Martin Stadium. Nowadays, Coach Rennie saves his loudest cheers for our Islander athletes as they achieve their goals, set personal bests and work collectively to succeed.
Coach Rennie enjoys creating positive connections with student-athletes outside of the classroom and helping to foster the next generation of lifelong runners. On weekends, you will find him at an outdoor concert, exploring the nooks and crannies of Western Washington, or supporting his son’s mountain biking and Cross Country endeavors.
Cross Country & Track & Field Jumps: Russ Skurski
Coach Skurski has been the Long Jump coach for the IMS Track team for the past seven years. He added High Jump to his resume six years ago. He also serves as one of the coaches for the Islander Cross Country team, working primarily with the 6th grade boys squad. A WSU-graduate, Coach Skurski has always enjoyed sports, being active and getting outside. In the summer months, you can find him fishing for salmon from his kayak, and trying to spend as much time in nature as life will allow.
His favorite thing about coaching is developing relationships with students that he otherwise would not have in class. His focus is helping kids reach their athletic potential, as well as fostering connections with kids outside of the academic environment.
Cross Country & Track & Field Coach: Madeleine Tessier
Coach Tessier grew up on Mercer Island (attending West Mercer, Islander Middle School and Mercer Island High School). She has been an avid soccer player since age 10, playing on select and premier teams then transitioning to adult co-ed indoor soccer. Coach Tessier loves challenging herself with peloton workouts daily (channeling her inner Tunde).
This is Coach Tessier’s first year coaching Cross Country. She enjoys supporting students as they discover the joy of running with friends and teammates. On the weekends she loves to explore the outdoors with her two Labradors, or complete fun DIY projects and woodworking.
Cross Country Coach: Cindy Cole
Coach Cole is a Mercer Island native. She grew up playing soccer since the age of 5, playing all the way through college. After surgeries on both knees, she has found other outlets to stay active. Coach Cole currently loves paddle boarding and hiking with her daughter. She also started running longer distances pre-pandemic, completing her first half marathon in 2021!
This is Coach Cole’s first year with the IMS Cross Country team. She has found satisfaction seeing the progression of our athletes and the pride they have in themselves. She loves to support, encourage and motivate our runners to be better than they were the day before.
T&F Sprints / Relays Coach: Gene Nomicos
Coach Gene is the Sprints and Relays coach for the Islander Track & Field team. 2022 marks his 9th year coaching at IMS. Coach Gene rowed crew as an undergraduate at Princeton University and raced on the cycling team in graduate school at Northwestern University. He is an avid cycling enthusiast, and continues to train to this day.
Coach Gene most enjoys helping our athletes master new skills, and more importantly, helping them grow as leaders both on and off the track. He is the coach constantly giving out high-fives and encouragement, with the goal of rallying behind each individual's personal accomplishments.
T&F Throws Coach: Ryan Hoisington
Coach Ryan is a lifelong athlete dedicated to sports and fitness. He has competed in several sports including football, baseball, track & field, and wrestling. Coach Ryan currently competes and coaches professional athletes in Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. He has served as an official for hundreds of amateur and professional MMA fights. Coach Ryan is a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Physical Education Teacher, Fitness and Conditioning Coach, and Martial Arts Instructor.
In addition to all this, Coach Ryan is also Islander’s Head Wrestling coach, having led them to multiple league championships. He works with all levels of athletes, from professionals, to amateurs, to everyday folks looking for ways to exercise that are safe, effective, and fun! In his free time, Coach Ryan enjoys the great Northwest, hiking and running local trails, rock climbing, and kayaking as often as weather allows.