For a little motivation, watch the high schoolers run
I have spent the last 12 years coaching cross country, and a little track and field. Seven years was at the collegiate level, and five was at the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) level. Guess I’m ready for the high school level any time now.
High school is the most exciting level; at least to me. It has the greatest number of participants. There is electricity in the air. It has great fans (usually the family and friends of the runners). The cross country courses are varied, challenging, and also usually spectator friendly. It gets me so charged; I want to jump in the race. Here’s where we have a problem. I’ve been out of high school for over 40 years. Times I once ran, which would have been competitive today, are no longer possible. My body surely couldn’t accept the challenge, but my brain is hollering, “get in there!” Guess my brain hasn’t looked in the mirror recently.
I’m enthused for another reason also. Watching race after race, and coaching college runners, I notice high school cross country runners are really decent kids. They have determination; they respect their team mates, their competitors, and their coaches. They respect their bodies. They seem like nice kids…and they’re smart. The cross country teams usually have the best GPA of all the athletic teams. Hopefully, they’ll always keep the spark, and embrace the gift.
Thinking about high school cross country and track, the San Ramon Valley High School distance runners, from Danville, CA come to mind. They seem to have a large and talented squad every year since the 60’s. Their top ten track listing includes Roy Kissin and Mike Dayton from the 70’s, and Scott Bauhs, from not too long ago. Every year, the Wolves come up with boys and girls who put in some outstanding performances. The tradition is there, and every year, their runners step up and fill the shoes to carry on the tradition. The Wolves are just one example of outstanding cross country and track programs throughout the country. Check out your local school’s track or cross country schedule and head out to watch the competition. See one meet and you’ll be hooked. If you’re in need of a little motivation for your own running, watch the kids run. You’ll be out putting in the miles soon after.