Board Of Directors

FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR

Carol “Cheer” Coyne is an avid thru-hiker and completed her Triple Crown (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail) in 2023 on Mt. Katahdin. She founded THRU-r after experiencing post trail depression following her first long-distance hike. She wanted to keep the trail connection alive for herself and other experienced hikers, while also helping new hikers prepare for trail. Cheer is also the host of The Thru-Hiking Podcast and you can connect with her at ccoyne@thru-r.com 

When she’s not hiking or working on new THRU-r initiatives, Cheer works in corporate finance and also creates ceramic pieces inspired by trail for Dirtbag Ceramics.

PRESIDENT

Ben “Paladin” Cox is a hiker, backpacker, and environmentalist who enjoys weekend trips as well as section and thru-hikes. His connection to the trail reflects a strong respect for the outdoors and a commitment to stewardship and responsible recreation.

Outside of hiking, Ben is a father and shares life with two rescue dogs who often join him on trails. He values sustainability, community, and protecting wild spaces for future generations. He can be reached by email at bcox@thru-r.com 

VICE PRESIDENT

JC “Catmando” Van Etten started his thru- hiking career in 2019, hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). Next he hiked the Longtrail (LT) in 21 , the Benton MacKaye (BMT) and half of the PCT the same year. In 2022, he finished the PCT. In 2023- thru hiked the Pinhoti (PT) and Foothills trail. In 2024 he finished his triple crown hiking the CDT. In between he’s hiked hundreds of miles on the California Coastal trail and the Florida Trail.

JC has been actively involved with THRU-r since the early days. Nearly a regular on Podcasts and zoom meet up’s. JC actively hosts regular zoom meetings now and is part of the THRU-r board. His weeks are filled with many outdoor activities including many day hikes, peak bagging and adventures! In 2026 JC will publish his first book – Backpacking the Continental Divide Trail, “ Embracing the brutality”. In June he will be hiking the Tour du Mount Blanc (TMB). He can be reached by email at jvanetten@thru-r.com 

TREASURER

Mike “Just Mike” McClure lives in Michigan when he’s not chasing his Triple Crown hiking dream. He started long distance hiking during COVID as a way to stay active outside. 2022 was a transition year when he retired after 30 years in the technology industry to pursue hiking long trails.

He completed the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022, the Continental Divide Trail and half of the Arizona Trail in 2024, and half the Appalachian Trail in 2025. In 2026, he plans to complete the Appalachian Trail and start the Ice Age Trail. Just Mike is also a board member for ALDHA West. He can be reached by email at mmcclure@thru-r.com 

SECRETARY

I am a dawdling thru-hiker and take my time in the wilderness to smell the flowers; take loads of pictures of butterflies, frogs, and bugs; and mosey on down the trail. I hiked the AT in 7 months as a traditional flip-flop in 2022 (WV to ME, then WV to GA). I hiked about 1,300 miles of the CDT NOBO in 2024. In 2025, I went back for another LASH, but fell about 20 feet in a box canyon, landing on a boulder. One medevac flight and urgent surgery later, my hiking season was finished. I’m recovered and hiking again, so I will be back out there this summer! She can be reached by email at  khartlaub@thru-r.com