Today is the day

Its finally here. The day I start my drive to Kansas. I am feeling better now that I know I am at least going to be heading in the right direction. My going away present from Meadville was about 20 inches of snow. My run yesterday was more of a training scene from Rocky IV than anything else as I ran up the sidewalks in knee deep snow. Today at 5:00 eastern time Becky and I will get in the car and start heading South, then west. We are going to stay in London Ohio tonight with our friend Ryan Ladd then stay friday night in St. Louis with our friend Jeff Stiles. Then Saturday we will finish the drive off and hopefully move into our new Town Home on Saturday afternoon. But there is a lot to get done before 5:00. I have to get my last run in Meadville in then there is an Assistant Coaches meeting talking about budgets, which I am going to sit in on to learn as much as I can, then I have to do some laundry, pack and get ready for the drive. The is finally here, I can't wait.......

can't wait to get there

As I have been working from home the past few days I feel as if I am handcuffed a little. There are so many things that need to get done and it is very hard having to do it over the phone or just wait four more days till I arrive on campus. I made a few recruiting calls last night but feel out of sorts since it is so far into the year and these kids have already been on campus etc... I am also getting antsy about working with the team. I want to get started right away. I feel like I am no longer wanted at Allegheny but also as if I don't have control over what is going on at McPherson. So as I sit at our messy dinning room table and work away at what I can, I just have to be patient. I will be in Kansas soon enough.

Moving on

I have accepted the job as head coach at McPherson College in McPherson Kansas. This is a very exciting time for me. This is my chance to finally prove that I have what it takes to build a successful college Track & Field/Cross Country program. As I spend my last few days at Allegheny College I think back to all the good times and things I have learned that have gotten me to this point. In a few days I will pack up my Jeep and start heading West down 70. I am very excited to arrive and start building a dynasty with the Bulldogs of McPherson College.

Recruiting Philosophy

My basic philosophy is to find students that I feel would fit well at the school academically, socially, and athletically and recruit those students. When you receive questionnaires back or talk to a recruit you have to profile that student based on academics, parent’s income, major and athletic ability to make sure they will fit in at your school and work with those students. The goal is to increase the depth and quality of the team. This is done by not only improving people currently on the team but new recruits as well. As the team improves so will the level of recruits to the program.

Vision Statement

To develop holistic people who are committed to excellence. The pursuit of excellence begins with the recruiting process and continues long after the athlete walks across the stage with their diploma in hand. It starts with bringing in student athletes that buy into the program and will become the leaders of tomorrow. It continues at practice every day, where everyone no matter what ability level is there early because they are excited to work towards a conference, regional and national championship together as a family. It starts with everyone holding each other accountable for their actions weather they are positive or negative. The goal is to win championships but more importantly to develop productive members of society through teaching time management, discipline and commitment towards living a balanced life.

Coaching Philosophy

As a professor and coach it is my goal to be an influential part of each student and athlete’s life by helping them develop into a productive and positive member of society. Through teaching discipline, time management, and how to be gracious in victory and defeat students will learn the necessary life skills to prepare them for work beyond college. Many life lessons can be learned through athletics and academics. Students must learn how to work with others as well as how to balance their own individual goals.

My coaching philosophy is one of progression and patience through individualized training programs over the entire time the athlete is under my program. Athletes start out the season with base work and slowly build up their endurance and speed through different workouts to sharpen their skills for each championship season. The goal of each season is to be ready to run your best at the highest level meet for each particular individual, whether that meet is the national championships or a last chance qualifier before conference. The goal of each year is to progress to a higher level than the season and year before. During an athlete’s progression from freshman to senior year, they should be able to handle a higher volume and intensity of work and see improvement throughout their collegiate career. As long as the athlete is willing to meet me half way I will do whatever I can, within the rules, to make them better in their event, no matter what their ability level.

In the classroom my goal is to teach students the importance of life-long fitness and how that contributes to their health and longevity. With the growing problem of obesity in society today, my passion for living a healthy, active, lifestyle is something I will strive to pass on to my students. Through teaching students the basic knowledge of nutrition and physical health and as a role model for a healthy, active lifestyle, students will learn what it takes to live a long, healthy, fulfilling life.