The Randolph girls have become a consistent figure in 4A Cross Country. We hear from Coach Terwilliger about how his team is shaping up after summer workouts.
1. How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)
Since the Fall of 2003.
2. What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?
Consistency in what we do. Always showing a passion for this sport that we love. Knowing when to show intensity and knowing when to show poise.
3. What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
You can't be their best friend, but you also can't talk down to them. They respond best when you keep yourself on their level. They also respond best when you are compassionate to their individual needs and issues.
4. What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
First, we run lots of miles. After that, it's about tempo training along with interval training. Then we race. Is this specific enough?
5. How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
All 7.
6. Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
The girls are deep, but somewhat injury prone. If we can keep them healthy, it could be a good season. If not, then,.....We do have a lot of seniors up front. We also have some underclassmen that have worked hard as well. Who exactly will be in the top 7, I guess we will all have to wait and see.
7. Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Zoe Evans, Katherine Hunter, Caroline Stucky, Elizabeth Johnson, and Anna Grace Johnson all bring special unique attributes to the senior class. All have been a part of the program since middle school so they have all had the chance to witness the gauntlet of leaders over the years. We will see how well each can fill a role on the team to make this team run smoothly.
8. Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
Zoe Evans seems to have caught the same "desire bug" that she had during her sophomore season. She seems very fit. Elizabeth Johnson, another senior that has had some injury issues in the past is also very strong and very focused.
9. Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
No transfers, but we do have a rising 7th grader in Sydney Clary that looks to make some noise as the season goes on. Freshman Emma Hudson is back from the soccer team and looks to be also very fit as well.
10. What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?
Heading back to the Berry College Clara Bowl Invite on Labor Day weekend, Chickasaw Trails, and Jesse Owens. Don't forget about the Randolph Cross Country Classic on Tuesday, September 19th (shameless plug)
11. What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
Keeping the injury bug away. Senioritis, it's a terrible, terrible thing.
12. What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
A: If we all believe in ourselves, in the plan, and in each other.
13. What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
Heading to "Green Corn 5k" at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park. Great event to start the season off. After that we criss cross the state and head to Guntersville for a team campout and lake retreat that same day/night.
14. What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
1) stay healthy
2) develop a real love for distance running/racing
3) for everyone to come away from the season thinking that was an amazing experience and I want to do it again.