Moose lose Rousey

Palmer High School lost one of its most popular coaches over the summer.

Norm Rousey, head coach of the Moose cross-country running squad and co-head coach of the Palmer track and field team, decided to move out of state after he was not retained by the Mat-Su School District.

"I do not want to sound like they should separate me from all of the other first-year teachers," Rousey said. "It was how all new employees were treated that helped me to my decision."

Rousey also cited uncertainty and the lack of confirmation whether or not employees actually had a job as reasons for his move.

Rousey taught physical education at Colony Middle School.

The Palmer High School graduate and former cross-country state champion served as head coach of the Moose cross-country team since 1997. During his tenure, Rousey led the Moose to a pair of second place finishes in the state tourney.

Rousey also helped a number of Moose athletes take top finishes in the state meet, including Aaron Dickson who was the 2002 statechamp.

Rousey is now in Monterey, California and pursuing other opportunities in coaching. He has created an online coaching Web site and will coach, counsel and consult athletes.

Rousey is not new to the area. He trained in Monterey during his days as a triathlete.

With Rousey out, Zach Brown takes over the Palmer High cross-country running head coaching duties.

Brown is a former cross-country skiing head coach at Palmer.