Wadley High School began a Track team last year and has started a Cross Country team this year. Alabama Runners introduces you to the coach that is behind the creation of these programs, Shannon Clark.
Alabama Runners: What school(s) did you come from before landing at Wadley? How many years have you been coaching?
Coach Clark: I started teaching at Woodland High School which is in our district, but transferred to Wadley after 2 months. I have been at Wadley for the last 8 years and never want to leave. This will be my first year as a track coach, but don't hold that against me.
Alabama Runners: What was your own running athletic background before coaching and how did that shape your own coaching philosophy?
Coach Clark: Actually, I only started running back on January 1st. I was not a runner before then. I told my family that I wanted to be able to run a 5k in 2012, to which my husband laughed. So of course I had to prove him wrong. I ran my 1st 5k in February and have run more than 5 since then. At this point my coaching philosophy is that anyone can become a runner, and it's my job as a track coach to make that happen.
Alabama Runners: How much of an opportunity have you had to meet with your teams this year? Any idea of the level of participation you will have?
Coach Clark: I have met with them several times so far and can say that our participation has tripled from our 1st two years of having a track team which is very exciting. I am offering an opportunity for track as well as cross country. Maybe I won't "run" anyone off when our practices become grueling.
Alabama Runners: Wadley fielded a track team for the first time last year. This year the school is adding a Cross Country team. What is it like to start a team and what type of pressure do you feel as a result?
Coach Clark:: It's stressful to start a team, but I think I can attribute that to the fact that I've never coached before so it's all new to me. I'm thinking that I need to find one of those books-Coaching Track & Cross Country for Dummies. The only pressure I feel right now is to just make sure I meet all of the deadlines, keep the students and parents informed, and make sure that everyone feels successful as an individual.
Alabama Runners:: What goals have you set for yourself at Wadley this year?
Coach Clark:: 1. Teach the kids how to design a workout plan based on their abilities and stick with it to achieve their own greatness. 2. Teach the kids how to compete against themselves and get those personal best times. 3. Keep the joy alive
Alabama Runners: What is a hidden talent you would like to tell us about?
Coach Clark: Hmmm...I guess I would have to say that I am good at bush hogging our pasture. Does that count as a talent? My husband used to say that he had to buy new blades every year because I hit every rock in the pasture. Guess what? We don't have any rocks in our pasture anymore so problem solved.