School: Altamont
How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?
6
What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?
Supportive administration, great parents, and most of all, amazing student-athletes.
What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
I have a hands-off approach to things. I leave it up to the students to decide if they want to be good or if they want to be the best. I think those who make that choice of their own volition and follow through in training and racing become the best athletes and leaders.
What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
Consistency and patience. It's a long season, make use of the time.
How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
5
Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
Too soon to tell
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Seniors Merritt Edwards and Bay Stackpole - Merritt battled back from a lengthy ankle injury to be our #2 girls last year. Bay has been on the team since her 7th grade year and a constant source of energy on the team. They always put their teammates first, whatever the situation is.
Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
To be determined - the students have been training on their own over the summer and our first team practices are this week.
Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
Yes - there are 2 or 3 new faces that should make an immediate impact.
What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?
Chickasaw, TCBY, Spain Park, Jesse Owens, and St. Bernard
What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
Early commitment to and trust in our training program.
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
Adapting to the "new norm" in and outside of the classroom.
What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
Hills at Avondale Park
What is a favorite annual or common mid-season workout for your team?
800s at 5K race pace (lots of them)
What is a favorite annual or common championship season or end-of-season workout for your team?
Mile repeats at 5K race pace
What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
First and foremost - have a complete season! After that, everything else is icing on the cake. I'd love to send our rising seniors off on a positive note.
How has the Covid-19 outbreak affected your team in preparation for the 2020 XC Season?
I've never hosted formal workouts in previous summers, leaving it up to them. So this summer hasn't been different in that regard. Hopefully they have been able to stay healthy and make good use of their spare time.