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John Tarr, Running coach for GHHS John has been coaching and teaching for 30 years, and thinks he's only been good for about 10 of those years. He thinks that his attitude change to being positive has made a huge difference. For a lot of kids, cross country or track is their fall back sport. They like to be on a team and they get results. He gets the kid cut from the soccer team or the one who only plays on his phone and his mom makes him. Or the girlfriend joins (so sweet...) or even the kids who get the right athletic pedigree. He takes anyone who wants to come and work for him. So this diverse group needs to become a team. He's very transparent in what he says to kids, does individualized instruction - he tests them and then talk to them about what they're good or weak at and then find a spot for them. There are 3-4 running teams per season, usually 60-75 girls and 60-75 boys. They have high, medium and low groups based on availability and the workouts are all different and the gains are tremendous. Every three weeks they increase mileage, goals for times, and time they run. Typically they improve 3-10%. The results speak for themselves. John's been to state 8 of 8 years. He challenges the kids every day and gives them goals. He's flexible with his program so has different rules for different kids. John also is creative where he puts kids. Personally, he is self reflective and critical. He looks at the good and bad and changes things where he needs to. He's passionate, compassionate, and empathetic. You need to control your demeanor. None of this is the result of magic or luck. We just compete. We can't compete or win unless we train in the right way. Part is having the right knowledge base and part is finding their strengths and weaknesses and the final part is to positive. |
