Something From Nothing: Building A Foundation For Success

Objectives for Today 01 02 Building a Foundation For Success What is Success? History of JDXC Attributes of Our Success How Technology Has Helped Along the Way 02 Social Media Google Docs, Sheets, Classroom, Etc. Running Apps

What is Success? Definition “The accomplishment of an aim or purpose” Legendary coach John Wooden stated that “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Success is not counting the WINS or VICTORIES, it is much more than that as coaches. Our SUCCESS is making an immediate and lasting impact on the individuals that we are coaching by fostering relationships with each athlete.

JDXC History 2014 - So how did we begin? Student Interest Survey XC & Soccer 2015 - The HS hook was the Disney Meet and Trip. - HS Girls: Region (2nd) & State (16th), HS Boys: Region (2nd), State (21st) - MS Girls: Conference (2nd), MS Boys: Conference (3rd)

JDXC History 2016 - HS Girls: Region (1st) & State (5th), HS Boys: Region (3rd), State (9th) - MS Girls: Conference (1st), MS Boys: Conference (3rd) - 1st Girl Individual Region Champion 2017 - HS Girls: Region (1st) & State (6th), HS Boys: Region (2nd), State (6th)

JDXC History 2018 - HS Girls: Region (1st) & State (2nd), HS Boys: Region (1st), State (4th) - MS Girls: Conference (3rd), MS Boys: Conference (3rd) - 1st GHSA Class AA All-State Runner for both Boys and Girls 2019 - What will our team and individual success look like? - What changes (ADAPTATIONS) will we continue to make? - GOAL = Sustainable Progress

So how did we go from Nothing to Something so fast?

Attributes of JDXC Success ***In no particular order*** Communication Goal Oriented Everyone Contributes Supportive Family Environment Group Diversity Leadership Organized Have FUN

Communication Different social media platforms: (Facebook and Twitter) They serve different purposes Facebook: Community driven, geared toward public audience. Pictures of meets for parents to see and share Twitter: Promotion of program and athletes. Geared more toward running community and college programs Remind App is vital in a XC program. Parent & Athlete Network for practice times, changes to daily schedule, important information, etc.

Goal Oriented Goals set the tone for the program and each individual Mottos are important, gives kids a focus topic for the year 2017 - A. C. E. (Attitude. Commitment. Effort.) 2018 - prACTice like a champion 2019 - no eXCuses Let the runners know what your expectations are. Be realistic, but don’t set too low. Have season goals, meet goals, personal goals An example: Varsity Girls

Everyone Contributes Everyone has a role, it is our job to help them find it and eXCel in that role. Our Goals and Goal Sheets help individuals identify their specific strengths to help fulfill their role within the group. Coaching staff all have specific responsibilities MS & HS staffs work together probably 85-90% of the time There are crossover responsibilities within the staff Who is the... Performance Leader Vocal Leader Encourager/Cheerleader Academic Standout Etc. Define other roles that might be important to your program

Supportive Family Environment An XC program will struggle to succeed without a strong support system… PARENTS, ATHLETES, COACHES, ADMINISTRATION, & COMMUNITY all play a role. Family and Parent involvement Providing snacks Trail work Volunteering for meet day responsibilities Donations/Fundraising The Team Team Gatherings that foster a family atmosphere: Boys Breakfast, Girls Region Dinner, other functions throughout the season and year. Example: Varsity Girls - Hilton Head Marathon Relay, Christmas Party & Sleepover Example: Varsity Boys - End of Year Cookout The Coaching staff is a family too and enjoy doing things outside of XC together.

Group Diversity Most programs are going to have runners from various backgrounds, we are no different...you must create an environment that supports bridging the gap between those differences and helps bond them over their love of RUNNING. Our Athlete Diversity 60% Hispanic, 35% Caucasian, 5% African American Representative of Other Sports - Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Golf Academic Tracks Our Coaching Staff Diversity From recreational runners to college athletes to a parent who wanted to be involved We all have experiences to draw from that can provide valuable contributions to the team.

Leadership In the beginning of the program, the coaches had to provide much of the leadership. Over the years, we have helped developed leaders within the program that has allowed the coaches to step back. Legacy Award - New for 2019, “Team Captain”, will take on additional responsibilities, we look at them as an extension of the coaching staff. Your leaders DON’T have to be your best runners. Athletes that are consistent, dedicated, and dependable are what we are looking for.

Organized Teenagers need structure/routine. All aspects of the program needs to be organized when possible. Schedules are set early, practice plans are laid out in advance, trip itineraries are provided, training paces and races paces are posted, etc. Use technology to make the process easier: Google Classroom This aspect takes time, however, if you put the work in on the front end, it is easier as the years go by. Share the load, let coaches use their strengths to lead different parts.

Have FUN Your athletes are coming out voluntarily and running many miles, they should have fun doing it. Reward the runners for the hard work they put in. Season trips - Overnight Trips, Theme Parks, Etc. Meet reward practices (Ultimate Frisbee & Other Games) Get togethers off of the course - Dinners, Cookouts, random get togethers organized by athletes with or without coaches Program Banquet ~ make this a BIG deal. Celebration and Recognition of College Signees. Celebration and Recognition of Records, Season Best, Personal Records, Course Records, All-Region/All-State, ROWS, Rankings, & local/regional awards.

What to Take Away… Find what works for your program. There is no cookie cutter recipe, what may work for us may not work for you. It’s a process… changes you may want to see will take time. Be invested to seeing out the changes to want to see in your program. Success requires persistence, perseverance, and dedication. If you want something you need to be real about if you are actually willing to do what it takes to get what you say you want. So do your athletes. Believe in your vision and surround yourself with people who believe in the same things. If you want better results you have to be open to new ideas and smarter approaches. Don’t be afraid to to try new things, including technology.

Contact Information Will Wood will.wood@jeff-davis.k12.ga.us Dusty Allen dustin.allen@jeff-davis.k12.ga.us