The Trinity Presbyterian Boys return their top 7 in 2016.
How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?
We are a coaching team:
Monica Lott - 2nd year of coaching all at TPS
Josh Jenkins - 3rd year of coaching all at TPS.
Jeff McIntyre - 6th year overall - 2nd year at TPS
What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?
Athletes responding well to the training program and trusting the system.
What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
Education. The runners are educated on what each run/workout is doing for them physically and mentally.
What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
HARD/EASY, SEASON-LONG PERIODIZATION, AND YEAR LONG IMPROVEMENT
How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
All 7 are returning.
Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
Charlie Lott, TA Sluis, Dawson Oliver, Carter Clark, Wells Rutland, Gray Rutland, Mat Mathison
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Wells Rutland - he is a quiet leader that leads by example. He is polite, kind and hard working.
Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
Mat Mathison. HE HAS DONE ALL OF HIS TEAM RUNS AND ALL OF HIS On Your Own RUNS, AND IS STARTING TO HANG With THE TOP RUNNERS ON THE TEAM
Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
Will Aaron. He is new to XC and is showing promise as one who will be pushing the top 10 for a spot.
Henry Britton is a sophomore that has left football for XC and is also showing signs of determination for a spot on the 10 man roster.
Jesse Owens
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
Staying healthy, focused and hungry.
What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
Team unity and keeping each other accountable.
What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
The Long Run. This allows them to get back into the swing of long mileage and allows them to spend time with each other, which builds team camaraderie early in the season.
What is a favorite annual or common mid-season workout for your team?
Fartleks: A fun flexible way to make the transition to harder longer repeats late in the season.
What is a favorite annual or common championship season or end-of-season workout for your team?
"The Hunt": 12 mile run with 2 tempos in the middle.
What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
A. To glorify God with our efforts, attitudes and preparation
B. To have a more educated team
C. To repeat as State Champs with 5 in top 15