The Gilbert Tigers Look To Keep Building On Momentum

How long have you coached (overall/at your school)?

What does your team's meet schedule look like this year? 

Our schedule is a mixture of smaller and bigger meets in the valley area. I usually like staying close so parents don't have to drive too far out to see their kids run.

What was one important moment over the summer with your team and why? (Camp/Preseason Meeting/Etc.)

I think an important moment was our team retreat we held up in Flagstaff over the summer. The team really grew close together over the retreat. I'm big on team camaraderie and togetherness.

What's the focus on training over the summer for the varsity squad?

The main focus was to be as consistent as possible. We wanted to build mileage and feel strong week to week. Summer training isn't always fun but it's necessary work.

Over the past three years, this program has not only made it to the state meet but has now won a state title. What has the road been like over the past three years or so and seeing the team progressively get better on the state level? The team has gone from 23rd in 2018, to 13th in 2019, and 1st in 2020. 

It's been a process, to say the least. I've been blessed to have a strong young core starting in 2018. Through the years we've both made huge improvements and created a sense of culture. Also In 2019, I had help from my Co-coach, Rose Dumont, in fostering a tighter relationship for the team. Not to mention the support from our AD, Dan Haasch, and parents. 

The team has all but one athlete returning from the 2020 state championship team. How did winning the state title motivate the team for 2021 and what drives them to become repeat state champs? 

The state championship has definitely set a sense of expectation among the boys team. Even going into track they understood it's about trying to be better and improve. The drive right now is to keep making jumps from the 1st to our 15th runner. It's gonna be tough but training hard is what we can control and will do. 

Which athletes do you see as a probable five/top seven this season? 

Right now Edgar Gonzalez is an athlete that has come into the season fit and ready to compete for a top 7 spot. He had an unfortunate injury this past season but he has a fire lit up under him to be a contributing factor to our boys team. Another two athletes that will be in our mix are Ryan Estrada and Evin Greenfield. Both are underclassmen but they are hungry to make it interesting on our returning core. 

Which athletes have taken a bigger role in terms of veteran leadership?

Terrence Keyes has definitely taken that leadership position over. Coming off a strong track season this past year he has big individual goals but also team goals. Another athlete is Javier Garcia, he's not as vocal but what he brings to the team is by example. He works extremely hard and sets the tone for the younger group. Both boys balance each other out as leaders on this team.

How have they shown it/what will you expect from them in 2021? 

They've shown me that they're hungry, they understand that nothing is given we have to earn it. I expect us to have a strong season. The main goal is to improve week to week and meet to meet. It's a long season and I know we're ready to compete with anyone. 

What is it like having the veteran leadership on the team who have won the title? What do you try to have them instill in the younger runners who may not have competed at state last year?

It's a blessing to have returners that were part of the championship team. They lead by example and understand what needs to be done in order to compete for a title. The main thing they instill to our younger runners is the disciple that's needed. There is a sense sacrifice that's needed and helped give advice.

Who are some new faces who will make an impact in 2021? (i.e. freshmen, transfers, runners who've improved)

Again, Edgar, Evin and Ryan are three runners that will make an impact in our top 7. I expect them to grow and learn race to race. They have a drive to push themselves and each other. 

Four to six weeks before the state championships, what's a staple workout that's readying this team for a potential postseason run? 

A staple workout for us is 1000/600. We usually do 4 sets where we take the k's at goal 5k pace with a short rest and come back faster for the 600. It helps the kids be prepared to switch gears when their legs are tired. The last set is where the lactic acid has set in and we need to push and dig.

What will success look like in 2021 for this team? 

Success for us is to improve from last year. If we improve with our mileage, workouts, recovery and as teammates, the results race-wise will come. It comes week by week and that will lead to success.

What's the biggest challenge facing this team this fall? 

Our biggest challenge is to stay motivated. Not being satisfied and holding each other accountable to be better.

How have the last 1.5 years affected the team with any covid, mask, social distancing, and training restrictions you may have faced? 

It's been difficult for our whole team. Not only as runners but as students. We've had to wear masks and follow all social distancing regulations the district had us implement. It was a hard transition but turned into a positive one. The fact we had a season in 2020 helped the kids come together as a team and solidly that camaraderie that we as coaches try to instill. Right now we're grateful to be able to practice and have a "normal" season. They're excited and so am I. 

Is there a quote or a saying, or a purpose your team lives by? What is it and why? 

We have a couple, one is "it builds character" whenever we have a tough rep, strides after a long run, or having to hit a core session it's something to remind the kids that it'll make you better. Another one is, "trust the process". It's a long season and not every workout will be a home run but it all has a purpose. It will make us better and get us where we want to be.