What was your most successful moment as a XC coach?

The boys winning last year’s AA WPIAL Championship. We were 11th in the fall of 2020, lost one of our top runners to a stress fracture after the 2021 Red, White, and Blue and the kids just kept on gaining confidence and improving throughout the season. Our top 5 were 3 sophomores and 2 freshmen, so given their youth, it was exciting to see them perform their best on the big stage of WPIALs.

Who inspired you to want to start coaching?

My Dad was Shaler’s coach for approximately 30 years (retired as a teacher/coach in 1993). Spent a lot of time at his practices as a young kid even going to the state meet at State College back in the late 70s early 80s. I took over as coach at Hampton the year after he passed, and rarely a day goes by during the season where I wish he was still around so I could get his advice.

What is your favorite sports quote?

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” - Steve Prefontaine. I was too young to actually see Pre run live and understand his greatness, but “Without Limits is one of my favorite sports movies.

We actually used this quote on the back of our shirts in 2004 when I coached wrestling. I just want kids to give their best effort and that’s the point I like in the quote.

Favorite XC invite to attend?

Red, White, and Blue. I do miss the tradition of Schenley Park but starting to make new memories at White Oak Park.

What are the greatest aspects of being the Head XC Coach?

Watching the kids hit their potentials. Even just the smiles the slower kids show when they run a PR.