KEARNEY, Neb. — For the first time in nearly three decades, Kearney Catholic will have new cross country coaches.

The school announced Wednesday that Jonathan Nikkila and Marcus Witter will be co-head coaches for the Stars’ cross country program. They replace Don Liess, who served as head coach for the past 28 years.

“We are excited to have Jonathan and Marcus leading the cross-country program and believe they have the ability, creativity and resources to develop our runners and will continue the positive culture surrounding the KCHS cross-country program,” Athletic Director Rick Petri said in a news release.

Nikkila ran cross country at Kearney Catholic and Hillsdale College. He has been an assistant coach with the Stars’ cross country and track programs since 2009.

Witter ran track and cross country at Kearney High and at Nebraska. He has helped coach at Kearney High and UNK for two years and has previous experience coaching the Kearney Catholic’s junior high running programs.