As we gear up for the new season of cross country at Caprock Academy, we sat down with Coach Joe Sheader to get a preview of this year’s team. With the goal of cultivating a spirit of excellence, common unity, passion, and life skills, Coach Sheader shares his thoughts on the top returning players, new additions to the team, and his coaching philosophy.
When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Sheader highlighted the dedication and athleticism of Korbin Church and Rylan Starnes on the boys' side, and Grace Grossman and Faith Mann on the girls' side. All four exhibited the necessary qualities of hard work, values, and experience, with Grossman and Mann bringing the experience of post-season racing at Nike SW and Runninglane Nationals.
These players will serve as strong leaders on and off the course, setting an example for their teammates. Coach Sheader believes that all of his players have the potential to make an impact on the team. However, he specifically mentioned Korbin Church and Rylan Starnes on the boys' side and Grace Grossman and Faith Mann on the girls' side as the new players to watch out for.
He praised their dedication, values, and athleticism and expects them to contribute to the team’s success this season. When looking for potential team captains, Coach Sheader values dedication, maturity, natural leadership, and devotion to the team. He believes that all of his players make an impact and that several promising runners could lead the team this year.
The current captains, Rylan Starns and Faith Mann embody these qualities and have earned the respect of their teammates. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial factors for a successful season. Coach Sheader believes in creating a sense of common unity among his team, where everyone’s progress is affirmed and each player’s contribution is valued. He emphasizes the importance of dedication, respect, and leadership among the players to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere within the team.
For Coach Sheader, the key to motivating his players is creating a team environment that trains, laughs, sweats, cries and celebrates together. He believes in the power of team unity and pushing each other to reach their full potential.
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