Meet Darrell General: Finalist For The National Hometown Hero Contest!

Falls Church VA - Darrell General has been Marshall High School's track and cross country coach for 16 years. Now, he's one of five finalists in a national Hometown Hero contest.

General, 52, grew up in South East Washington and Prince Georges County, Md., where he lives today. He ran at Potomac High School, but didn't "blossom" as a runner until after high school. That's when he he won the Marine Corps Marathon twice and qualified for five Olympic Marathon Trials!

He's had a variety of jobs and works as a personal running coach as well. But this year, in order to be closer to his high school team, General took a job as custodian at the school.

Recently, his students nominated him for a national coach of the year Hometown Hero Award. He's already made it to the top five finalists.

The award recognizes the finest coaches in the country who make an impact on their community by changing lives for the better.

General's runners say he's not just a coach, but a mentor and a friend.

The winner of the 2018 Hometown Hero Award is decided by the most number of votes online. Anybody can vote as often as they like. The Winner takes home a $25,000.

Voting goes through Friday, November 16th.

Source: WUSA9