Showing posts with label conestoga valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conestoga valley. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Passion+Energy is a Very Contagious Combination
We talked extensively with three coaches, Randy Wilson (Central Cambria), Kevin Kelly (West Chester Henderson), and Mike Craighead (Conestoga Valley). Within five minutes of talking to them, I found myself ready to tighten up my shoelaces so that I could do whatever running workout they had in store. I could see the passion in the eyes as I walked up to meet them. And their energy is exuded onto everything around them. By combining these two traits, in addition to a myriad of others, it is no wonder these coaches are so successful and have built such high quality programs. The coaches are all very knowledgeable at their craft and have the athletes long-term development at the front of their minds. Sure it would tempting for some coaches to run these elite athletes into the ground for their own personal glory. But those thoughts never come into play. By establishing a strong team that has an individualized focus, all the athletes under their care are able to benefit.
On top of their passion and energy, all three coaches look as if they are still fit and could give their athletes a run for their money. They all run so effortlessly, from Coach Craighead dashing across the football field yelling splits to 3 groups of athletes, Coach Kelly warming up with his athletes and checking in on them at various points, but still having ample time to make it to the finish, and Coach Wilson seemingly runnings 7 seven miles to cheer for a 3.1 mile race. As one can see, catching up to the coaches was almost harder than catching up to the athletes.
The athletes feed off their coach's energy. It would be impossible to run for one of these coaches and not give 100% on a daily basis. The coaches demand that from themselves. The coaches are able to see the vision of the road that lies before their team and help their athletes navigate the obstacles and successes that they happen upon throughout the season.
Another trait these coaches share is their belief in their athletes. One could argue that they believe in their athletes more than the athletes might believe in themselves. In fact Carly Seymour credited Coach Wilson's belief in her as a big reason to her jump to the next level. She said he kept telling her she could be the best, and one day it finally sunk in because she realized, "Why would he lie to me." So she started believing it too, and we have all seen how well that has worked out. Coach Wilson has what seems to be never-ending supply of energy. The fact we were able to slow him down for an interview shocked. But I was not surprised by the care and time he devoted to us. Similar to the other two coaches, everything he does he is fully engaged. So his captivating interview was not a shock. But what was amazing is how he ties everything in his program together to acheive success. He coaches the middle school track team which tells me one thing, he is fully invested into the development of the program. I could see how Coach Wilson's attitude, energy, and drives are embodied by both his boy's and girl's teams. These qualities, along with many others, shows he foundation of what the program is built upon and gives the first indication of why it is so successful.
Coach Craighead is a student of the sport as much as he is a mentor to his young athletes. When asked why he got into coaching, he replied, "To give something back. I have gotten a lot from running, and I want to make sure others have the same opportunity." On our last visit to Lancaster, Vince was stuck in traffic while returning home from a field trip. So what did Coach Craighead do? He showed us what seemed like every inch of pavement and grass where he has his team run. Did he have to do that? Not at all, but in his words, "I want to make sure you guys get something out of the trip." Spending that afternoon on his personal tour, I felt really apart of their program. And the fact that he took the time to ask us questions and our opinions made the interview feel like a conversation with good friend. We try to be as objective as possible, but little things like this, have you rooting for Coach Craighead and his team to have continued success.
The trip to West Chester would prove to be just as rewarding as the other two meetings. I have always been a fan of Coach Kelly. Because he is such a great ambassador to the sport, by setting up meets throughout the track season that truly are there to benefit the kids. The West Chester Henderson Invitational and Annual Pennsylvania Distance Festival are two premier meets that he organizes each year. And I urge you if you are able to participate, GO!! They are first class events designed to get fast times. Some of the races have pacemakers, but all of them have elite fields. Coach Kelly is fortunate to have a feeder system for his program. He detailed to us what the middle schools and youth programs were doing. And it goes back to the sense of family. How it is isn't just about one person, but a collective group of people chasing after their dreams and goals together.
All three of the aforementioned coaches are great at their craft, because they have invested themselves and their time fully into the endeavor of building a quality program. They all are focused on the development of their athletes and the program as a whole, by taking a strong interest in the youth of the area. They are very inspiring individuals, not because they win and seem to produce state champions at ease, but because of what they stand for and what they try to teach their athletes on and off the course or track. If you have ever have the chance to talk to them for as little as five minutes, you will become an instant fan of their teams and athletes, the same way I did. They drew me in making me wanting to hear more and more and I as tried to understand why these three are so successful. And I knew going in, it would not be one thing, but a combination of many ideals. Their dedication, passion, energy, focus, and series of positive qualities, makes up the foundation their success is built upon. Those characteristics coupled with their commitment to developing a full program puts them on a path headed towards success and makes anyone who comes in contact with them an instant fan.
On top of their passion and energy, all three coaches look as if they are still fit and could give their athletes a run for their money. They all run so effortlessly, from Coach Craighead dashing across the football field yelling splits to 3 groups of athletes, Coach Kelly warming up with his athletes and checking in on them at various points, but still having ample time to make it to the finish, and Coach Wilson seemingly runnings 7 seven miles to cheer for a 3.1 mile race. As one can see, catching up to the coaches was almost harder than catching up to the athletes.
The athletes feed off their coach's energy. It would be impossible to run for one of these coaches and not give 100% on a daily basis. The coaches demand that from themselves. The coaches are able to see the vision of the road that lies before their team and help their athletes navigate the obstacles and successes that they happen upon throughout the season.
Another trait these coaches share is their belief in their athletes. One could argue that they believe in their athletes more than the athletes might believe in themselves. In fact Carly Seymour credited Coach Wilson's belief in her as a big reason to her jump to the next level. She said he kept telling her she could be the best, and one day it finally sunk in because she realized, "Why would he lie to me." So she started believing it too, and we have all seen how well that has worked out. Coach Wilson has what seems to be never-ending supply of energy. The fact we were able to slow him down for an interview shocked. But I was not surprised by the care and time he devoted to us. Similar to the other two coaches, everything he does he is fully engaged. So his captivating interview was not a shock. But what was amazing is how he ties everything in his program together to acheive success. He coaches the middle school track team which tells me one thing, he is fully invested into the development of the program. I could see how Coach Wilson's attitude, energy, and drives are embodied by both his boy's and girl's teams. These qualities, along with many others, shows he foundation of what the program is built upon and gives the first indication of why it is so successful.
Coach Craighead is a student of the sport as much as he is a mentor to his young athletes. When asked why he got into coaching, he replied, "To give something back. I have gotten a lot from running, and I want to make sure others have the same opportunity." On our last visit to Lancaster, Vince was stuck in traffic while returning home from a field trip. So what did Coach Craighead do? He showed us what seemed like every inch of pavement and grass where he has his team run. Did he have to do that? Not at all, but in his words, "I want to make sure you guys get something out of the trip." Spending that afternoon on his personal tour, I felt really apart of their program. And the fact that he took the time to ask us questions and our opinions made the interview feel like a conversation with good friend. We try to be as objective as possible, but little things like this, have you rooting for Coach Craighead and his team to have continued success.
The trip to West Chester would prove to be just as rewarding as the other two meetings. I have always been a fan of Coach Kelly. Because he is such a great ambassador to the sport, by setting up meets throughout the track season that truly are there to benefit the kids. The West Chester Henderson Invitational and Annual Pennsylvania Distance Festival are two premier meets that he organizes each year. And I urge you if you are able to participate, GO!! They are first class events designed to get fast times. Some of the races have pacemakers, but all of them have elite fields. Coach Kelly is fortunate to have a feeder system for his program. He detailed to us what the middle schools and youth programs were doing. And it goes back to the sense of family. How it is isn't just about one person, but a collective group of people chasing after their dreams and goals together.
All three of the aforementioned coaches are great at their craft, because they have invested themselves and their time fully into the endeavor of building a quality program. They all are focused on the development of their athletes and the program as a whole, by taking a strong interest in the youth of the area. They are very inspiring individuals, not because they win and seem to produce state champions at ease, but because of what they stand for and what they try to teach their athletes on and off the course or track. If you have ever have the chance to talk to them for as little as five minutes, you will become an instant fan of their teams and athletes, the same way I did. They drew me in making me wanting to hear more and more and I as tried to understand why these three are so successful. And I knew going in, it would not be one thing, but a combination of many ideals. Their dedication, passion, energy, focus, and series of positive qualities, makes up the foundation their success is built upon. Those characteristics coupled with their commitment to developing a full program puts them on a path headed towards success and makes anyone who comes in contact with them an instant fan.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
National Power Rankings
The latest MileSplit Foot Locker National Power Rankings were released. PA still has three athletes ranked, Vince McNally of Conestoga Valley (7th), Neely Spence of Shippensburg (3rd), and Carly Seymour of Central Cambria (4th). All three athletes won their respective District Championship this past weekend and will look to continue their winning ways at this weekend's PIAA State Championship.
"He's Hungry"
On October 22nd, Matt and I traveled to Conestoga Valley High School in Lancaster, PA. The purpose of our trip: to spend the afternoon with Vince McNally, Coach Mike Craighead, and the rest of the Conestoga Valley Buckskins. McNally was on a separate schedule from the rest of his teammates. While preparing for the upcoming District 3 meet and a chance to qualify for the state meet, his teammates look on while McNally has his sights firmly planted on the state meet at Hershey; and perhaps further.
McNally's teammates pounded out a hard mile + 4x400 while Vince, with the assistance of a teammate returning from injury, pushed through 5x800. The Buckskins were focused and looked ready for the district meet. Excitement was in the air.
Vince and Coach Craighead said this will be the first time he has been healthy for a full year. His 4:08 mile at Nike Outdoor Nationals being a strong indicator what he was capable of after being healthy for only six to seven months. That begs the question, "What will he be capable of after being healthy for a full year?" The potential answers are all mind-blowing thoughts. Only time will tell what he is capable of, and we should all be happy that we will be able to bear witness to his senior year.
Coach Craighead, a state champion in the 4x800 and 800 himself, knew Vince was a gifted athlete when he saw him run 4:31 as an 8th grader. But he said what separates Vince is his attitude and attention to detail. He does all the little things one needs to do to succeed and personifies that quote, "A little on a little becomes a lot." The progression he has made is staggering in both XC and track. But there are still a few goals he would like to cross off his list before he graduates.
Coach Craighead has a myriad of adjectives to describe Vince: hard-working, humble, relentless, tough, aggressive, and the list goes on, but perhaps the best description he gave was, "He's hungry." It was something that was instilled in his freshman year, as the seniors on the team along with Vince ran 7:40 to win the 4x800 AAA State title. Vince and Coach Craighead both said these past seniors helped to instill an amazing work ethic in Vince and they displayed a ferocious tenacity as they charged after their goal. That work ethic was embedded into Vince's attitude and has morphed into something even greater as he races through his last high school season.
This tenacity roars on as Vince is focused now on the stretch run of the season that includes the state meet, the Foot Locker Northeast Regional, and hopefully a berth to the Foot Locker National Championship. The first of the trifecta is this Saturday, November 3, in Hershey and Vince looks to improve on his previous placings at states (13th-freshman, 4th-sophomore, 5th-junior) and claim the title.
There will be more on Vince leading up to the Foot Locker Regional including his workout video and team interviews. So stay tuned to the Road to San Diego.
McNally's teammates pounded out a hard mile + 4x400 while Vince, with the assistance of a teammate returning from injury, pushed through 5x800. The Buckskins were focused and looked ready for the district meet. Excitement was in the air.
Vince and Coach Craighead said this will be the first time he has been healthy for a full year. His 4:08 mile at Nike Outdoor Nationals being a strong indicator what he was capable of after being healthy for only six to seven months. That begs the question, "What will he be capable of after being healthy for a full year?" The potential answers are all mind-blowing thoughts. Only time will tell what he is capable of, and we should all be happy that we will be able to bear witness to his senior year.
Coach Craighead, a state champion in the 4x800 and 800 himself, knew Vince was a gifted athlete when he saw him run 4:31 as an 8th grader. But he said what separates Vince is his attitude and attention to detail. He does all the little things one needs to do to succeed and personifies that quote, "A little on a little becomes a lot." The progression he has made is staggering in both XC and track. But there are still a few goals he would like to cross off his list before he graduates.
Coach Craighead has a myriad of adjectives to describe Vince: hard-working, humble, relentless, tough, aggressive, and the list goes on, but perhaps the best description he gave was, "He's hungry." It was something that was instilled in his freshman year, as the seniors on the team along with Vince ran 7:40 to win the 4x800 AAA State title. Vince and Coach Craighead both said these past seniors helped to instill an amazing work ethic in Vince and they displayed a ferocious tenacity as they charged after their goal. That work ethic was embedded into Vince's attitude and has morphed into something even greater as he races through his last high school season.
This tenacity roars on as Vince is focused now on the stretch run of the season that includes the state meet, the Foot Locker Northeast Regional, and hopefully a berth to the Foot Locker National Championship. The first of the trifecta is this Saturday, November 3, in Hershey and Vince looks to improve on his previous placings at states (13th-freshman, 4th-sophomore, 5th-junior) and claim the title.
There will be more on Vince leading up to the Foot Locker Regional including his workout video and team interviews. So stay tuned to the Road to San Diego.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Statement at Steel City
By the title I am not referring to the Steelers beating the Seahawks 21-0, but Vince McNally's 15:36 clocking, which was a 29 second victory over Mark Denin, at the Steel City Inivational hosted by Coatesville. McNally has had quite the progression at Steel City, 16:30 in 2004 for third, 15:56 in 2005 for second , did not race in 2006, and this year's 15:36 victory. His time is 11 seconds faster than last year's eventual state champion, Jason Weller. McNally is a force and he is leaving no stone unturned in his final high school season. Coatesville won the boys' team title for the 4th consecutive year.
Rachel Wong's second place finish lead Northern York to the girls team title. Rachel is having a great season and is helping her team reach new heights. They were 8th at states last year. With Rachel and the team improving so quickly, I forsee a Foot Locker-NTN conflict on the horizon. They are definitely going to surprise some people down the road. With Rachel's effort and her team's continued success, she has made the Road to San Diego Watchlist.
Rachel Wong's second place finish lead Northern York to the girls team title. Rachel is having a great season and is helping her team reach new heights. They were 8th at states last year. With Rachel and the team improving so quickly, I forsee a Foot Locker-NTN conflict on the horizon. They are definitely going to surprise some people down the road. With Rachel's effort and her team's continued success, she has made the Road to San Diego Watchlist.
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