Joanne Jojo Heaster
Coach (JoJo) JoAnne Heaster is part of a long running legacy and is working hard to extend that legacy as the assistant girl’s track coach and the head cross-country girls coach at Liberty Benton. As a high school sprinter who joined the CC team to stay in shape she was part of the late Pat Wagner’s teams that took three state championships for Liberty Benton. This past year the girls track again took the state championship and keeps the proud reputation of LB intact. Having joined the coaching staff four years ago JoAnne is proud to see the cycle of life come full circle. Coach proudly wears her championship ring and works very hard to keep her girls progressing personally, emotionally, and academically. Every day she posts a thought provoking quote for the girls to see, comment on and personalize. The girls look forward to each days new gem.
JoAnne graduated from LB and attended Findlay College for a year. It was there she met and married her husband Doug. She chose to be a stay at home mom and raised four children, Ethan, Seth, Abby and Eli. When they were all in school she began teaching preschool and coaching junior high track in Bluffton. She was approached by her old high school coach Pat Wagner and joined his squad as an assistant. She credits Pat as being a strong mentor. He instilled pride in his athletes, taught them morals, ethics and brought everyday quotes.
JoAnne just held a book signing at her school for a book she was inspired to write that contains quotes and sayings that are thought provoking and inspiring. It is titled “25 lessons of Life and Love.’ She is already in the process of writing a sequel.
When not being a mom, a coach and a writer she continues to run herself, competing in 5k’s, half marathons and this past July in a 200 mile marathon relay in Seattle. She would love to be a inspirational speaker to high school students.
JoAnne’s words of thought for us are “Everything happens for a reason.” Good or bad, keep going and you will find your answers.