Montgomery High School Cross Country Season Preview

As Coach Robert Pedersen prepares his team at Montgomery High School for the upcoming season, he is excited about the talent and potential of this year's roster. With a mix of experienced seniors and motivated newcomers, Coach Pedersen believes this team has what it takes to make a run for a state championship. One of the top returning players is a three-time cross-country state champion, Hanne. Known for her perseverance and determination, Hanne is more confident in her training than ever before. Another key returner is Seelah, who had an impressive track season and is driven to have an even better cross-country season. These two experienced leaders will serve as motivators and role models for the rest of the team. But Coach Pedersen is also excited about the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team. Amrie, Cora, Graham, Ryan, and Tristan all bring their own unique strengths to the team. From constantly striving to improve to being mentally stronger than ever, these players will add depth and talent to the already strong team. When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Pedersen believes strong leadership is key. The team has three types of leaders: motivational, social, and external. These leaders are responsible for creating a positive and supportive team environment both on and off the court. Motivation and pushing oneself to their full potential is also a crucial aspect of the team's success. Coach Pedersen believes in leading by example and showing his players that they are capable of achieving beyond what they may believe. He emphasizes that every athlete should strive to be a student of the sport and understand the reasoning behind their goals. One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been motivation. With a long break due to the pandemic, it was difficult for the team to stay motivated and focused. But Coach Pedersen believes that motivation ultimately comes from within and it is his job to provide the structure and support for the team to succeed. Coach Pedersen's coaching philosophy relies heavily on constant growth and self-improvement. He focuses on pushing his athletes not just physically, but mentally as well. His approach of "Humble, Educate, Communication" encourages his team to continuously learn, grow, and communicate with each other. He believes that this continuous growth is the key to success, both on and off the court. When it comes to training and conditioning, Coach Pedersen and his team have made some changes and improvements this season.