Saturday - July 7, 2018

After spending midweek in Vermont, where temperatures were uncharacteristically in the mid 90's, I'm back where I belong!  I missed two evenings of core training and understand participation was down due to the hot temperatures here as well.  I'm hoping that those of you training are taking advantage of the cooler morning/evening temperatures and getting your work in.  I know somebody is getting his work in and congratulations to "brine sheeperd" a/k/a Andrew Newman who finished with an impressive time of 24:26 (5:28 pace) and 5th place overall (1st in 16-19 age group) at this past week's Hingham 4th of July Road Race.  It may be a "downhill course" for the most part, but in the heat that is an extraordinary result for Whitman-Hanson's most dedicated athlete! (Sadly now a former athlete.)  What I am wishing for is that somebody will step up, or RUN up, as the case may be, and replace the Panther work horse.  I know there are many of you capable if you are prepared to put in the effort. 

On the recruiting front, we are still hoping to get more of your classmates interested in our sport.  I spoke last week with the parents of a potential recruit whose child was concerned about academic eligibility.  The truths are that in the Fall, (A) from a timing standpoint it is fairly difficult to become ineligible during the season, and (B) we are flexible enough (with optional late practice start) to insure our student-athletes have the opportunity to meet with their teachers for extra help every day.  I don't know if other sports have the same flexibility.  Those on the fence with respect to grades may also find the following article interesting:

http://theconversation.com/running-makes-you-smarter-heres-how-61454

You really can get smarter through distance running! 

This week (July 11) Coach Denise Taylor along with other members of the coaching staff will begin a running series at our Track on Wednesday evenings beginning at 5:45.  If any of you would like to help out we would certainly appreciate it!  The plan is to provide instruction and competitive events for the participants.  Who knows, maybe the next Samantha Coletti or Andrew Newman may emerge!  Wouldn't that be something . . .

Hope to see you there!  Have a great weekend!