Looking back at the history of this program, what was the "turning point" that moved it from a standard high school team to what it is today?
During the 2015 season, we got our first ever rubber track & that same year, Rakeem Littles and Jacob Hedgepeth challenged me from changing my coaching philosophy from pouring into select athletes to become great to making a great team instead.
How do you honor the traditions or past top athletes and teams while still pushing the current roster to carve their own path?
I am not a "traditions" type of person, so every year, I am excited about something new and different. I remind the team every season, this is your team your personality, your character. Its going to be different and that is good.
What has been the most memorable race, championship, or milestone achievement of your coaching career so far?
My young kids and wife, Coach Heather, at meets together in the past. Coach Heather & I pouring into the athletes while the athletes pouring into our kids.
Beyond podium finishes and state titles, how do you define a truly successful season for your runners?
Their bond together by the end of the season. I absolutely love it when deep connections, emotional connections are created and our program was a catalyst for that.
Team Culture
Cross country is unique in that a team's success often relies heavily on the 4th and 5th runners. How do you cultivate a "pack mentality" and ensure every runner feels their finish matters?
We probably should pack attack more, but I have a cluster by ability and challenge by position approach.
You manage a wide range of athletes, from elite front-runners to developing JV runners. How do you foster a sense of "one team" when everyone is doing such different work and running at different paces?
Expect the same efforts from top to bottom. Those who consistently put the same effort in things like attendance, consistency, desire to improve...they are part of "the team" and get the most of what the program is offering; mentally, physically, and socially.
If you had to describe the "vibe" of a regular afternoon practice in only a few words, what would they be?
Eager to start and happy to be there.
What is the "non-negotiable" rule in your program that every athlete, regardless of talent level, must follow?
Attendance and no walking.
Summer base training is the foundation of a successful fall. How do you keep athletes connected and accountable when they are logging miles away from the team?
Not very well.
Who is the "unsung hero" (or heroes) on this year's roster-the athlete who might not be winning medals but is the glue of the team?
Jamie Holler
Coaching Philosophy and Workouts
In the era of super-shoes and advanced data, how much of your coaching is "art" (intuition/feel) versus "science" (splits/physiology)?
Super tough transitional time for all veteran coaches. Definitely was a strictly "Experince/Intuition" coach and now have purposely evolved more as a sports science minded coach while not abandoning tried and true methodology.
What is your favorite staple workout that tells you the team is physically and mentally ready for a championship race?
10x400; 1'R
How do you handle the "mental side" of the sport, particularly for high-pressure meets like Sectionals or State?
Consistency and realistic conversations throughout the entire season, not just at the end.
What is your approach to tapering and ensuring your runners peak at the exact right time at the end of the season?
Consistent high quality with lowered quantity.
How do you balance pushing athletes to their limits in workouts while preventing overuse injuries or mid-season burnout?
For the health, allure and longevity of the program we undertrain our athletes with focus on their enjoyment of the sport and leaving meat on the bone for their running future beyond high school.