Coach Hind has helmed the Hoover HS Buccaneers for 14 years and is among the most successful coaches in state history. Below he gives us some insight on his 2016 boys and girls squads.
How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?
This is my 18th year of HS xc, starting my 14th at Hoover.
What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?
Our program's success has to do primarily with the dedication of our athletes and the leadership of athlete's in prior years that have taught the younger athletes what it takes to be successful.
What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
You could probably get a better answer from my runners on this one. Having been a successful distance runner myself, I know what it takes. I let the athletes know what it takes and expect them to do what it takes. Some do and some don't. I think folks have to be self-motivated to succeed. I will encourage and do what I can to help any of my athletes but the ball is in their court much of the time. If someone isn't willing to go the extra mile, I'll look for someone else who will.
What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
My core belief is that hard work reaps benefits. My training program varies every single year depending on the personality of my team. I do not have a set system from year to year. Different teams have different needs.
How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
Our boys return 4 of 7 and girls return 5 of 7.
Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
Our top 5 boys should be Tommy McDonough, JP Rumore, Joe Leventry, John McCrackin and Alex Leary. Our top 4 girls look to be Sydney Steely, Ava Weems, Caroline Franklin and Haley Stallworth. I couldn't tell you after this right now.
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Tommy McDonough is probably our boys leader primarily because of his success on the track. JP Rumore and Joe Leventry are more vocal leaders holding everyone accountable. Sydney Steely and Ava Weems share the leadership responsibility on our girls team. They've both been very successful and know what it takes.
Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
I've been most impressed with JP Rumore and John McCrackin on our boys side and Caroline Franklin on our girls team.
Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
At this point I don't see any of our freshmen having a large impact on our varsity teams. No transfers. My job is to get those freshmen up there though. We'll see if they'll buy in to what it takes.
What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?
Out of state meets include Memphis Twilight and Bob Firman Invite in Boise, ID.
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
Believing they are capable.
What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
Desire to succeed coupled with hard work and mileage.
What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
We are getting ready to have our annual 18 hour relay. Athletes run a mile with other teammates on the track, rest, repeat. We keep the batons going for 18 continuous hours. It's fun for the kids and a good team building activity.
What is a favorite annual or common mid-season workout for your team?
Since we never train the same way each year we really have nothing specific mid season.
What is a favorite annual or common championship season or end-of-season workout for your team?
See above.
What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
1. Win state 2. Win state 3. Win state. Are there other goals besides these?