“A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils.” – Bill Bowerman, American Track and Field Coach and Nike Co-Founder
In 2012, while taking a hiatus from my career in Human Resources, I did something bold. I came across a job posting on RaceberryJam.com for a Middle School Track and Field Coach at Providence Academy in Plymouth. After reading over the posting, I was highly interested in submitting my resume for consideration. I was full of self doubt, however. Would they consider a non-educator for a coaching role? Would a private Catholic school hire a Lutheran? Would I have the first clue about working with kids, specifically middle schoolers? How would I handle sprint and field events, about which I knew next to nothing? In retrospect, these all seem like silly concerns but at the time, they were real. I finally determined I had nothing to lose so I emailed my resume to the head coach. Initially, I didn’t hear anything so I sent a follow up email to see if I was still in consideration for the role, or if they had filled it with someone else. To my surprise, I received almost an immediate response and was shortly thereafter asked to interview with the Athletic Director. Even as I was sitting in my car in the parking lot at Providence before the interview, I considered backing out. This is a bad idea, I thought to myself. They will never hire me, so why put myself in a position to be turned down. Well, needless to say, I interviewed and was offered the position! I was so thrilled!
The spring of 2012 was the first time they offered track and field for middle schoolers at Providence Academy. They hired 3 coaches and had about 25 kids sign up to participate. At first, I thought that many coaches seemed excessive, but I quickly learned how much each of us was needed to make it a rewarding and educational experience for the kids. The other two coaches were also runners, one being a seasoned marathoner and triathlete and the other a student teacher at a nearby school who also was a successful road racer. What we might have lacked in coaching experience, we made up for in enthusiasm. Once a week, we coaches dressed up in some silly theme. We brought treats for the kids to every meet. We’d make sure at least one workout each week was a game, such as a scavenger hunt or rainbow run, complete with prizes for the winning teams. Many practices would end at a nearby park where play time was rewarded after the scheduled workout. And when the school told us we couldn’t have a banquet at the end of the season (as no middle school sports were allowed this), we did our own celebration potluck style at the park. I’m not sure who had more fun throughout the season, the kids or the coaches!
All of the fears we coaches had about our inexperience quickly vanished when we discovered these kids just needed to learn about track and field. Some of them had no idea what all the sport entailed, what the different events were, what the distance of the track was, which way to run around the track, or what the different pieces of equipment were called. But they were unafraid to try new things and I was so impressed. If we announced we needed someone to run the mile, there was always a volunteer. Each meet without fail, we’d have kids signed up for too many events and they were so disappointed when we told them they needed to give up something. One of the smallest girls on the team came up to me before one meet and said she wanted to do the event with the really heavy ball. We put her in the shot put! It was so great to watch them try and to take pride in their accomplishments.
Being a coach for that 2012 season of middle school track was one of the best jobs I have ever had, though it’s hard to even call something so enjoyable work. So when I was asked to be an assistant coach for cross country in the fall, I quickly said yes. Accepting this role afforded me the opportunity to work with Rick Kleyman, a MN coaching legend. He has been running for 61 years and coaching for 49 years. I learned so much under Coach Kleyman: how far the young kids should run, how to handle injuries, the art of pacing and racing, and perhaps most importantly, that it is okay to walk at scheduled intervals (as long as you walk fast). He could recall statistics unlike anyone I’ve ever known and he would share story after story about racing with coaches and kids.
One of the unique traditions at Providence Academy was the Homecoming Run. The cross country team would relay the football from the visiting team’s school to Providence, arriving just in time for the pre-game ceremonies. I had the privilege of organizing it one year, which was no small task. It required a lot of parent involvement, as they drove the kids to and from their relay legs. It was also critical to get the timing correct so the seniors could run the ball onto the field and not hold up the festivities. I thought it was a wonderful way to incorporate cross country into Homecoming and make it more than just about football.
In all, I coached 3 seasons of track and 2 seasons of cross country at Providence Academy. In that time, I also obtained my MN State High School League Coaches Certification. I learned so much about running and coaching from my colleagues. I met so many talented, bright, and thoughtful kids and their supportive, devoted parents. I was able to watch a couple of our athletes compete at the state level in both cross country and track.
The most important things I learned, though, came from the kids themselves. Sure, they taught me all the latest and hippest phrases and sayings. Sure, I learned that I actually did have things that I could teach them. But above all else, they reminded me to have a goal and then stop at nothing to achieve it. Providence Academy is a challenging and rigorous school. It wasn’t unusual for kids to be playing in multiple sports during the same season, singing in the choir or playing in the band, participating in some academic league, all while managing their intense homework load. No matter all the demands placed on them, they set goals and worked towards them. They did their best in everything. Everyday. I was in awe of them and their determination. Sure, I might have imparted a few tidbits of wisdom or provided some inspiration to them. But I’m the one who walked away a winner.
I realize that I am extremely lucky to have had such a rewarding and enjoyable experience as a coach. I am very grateful to the head coaches, athletic director, the kids, and the parents for making it the best “job” I’ve ever had. Providence Academy is a fantastic school with wonderful staff and even more amazing young people. The Lions will always have a special place in my heart!