In this series we take a look at state championship and runner-up coaches, their outlook on the team, the season, and 2014. St. Thomas Aquinas coach Trish Butler lead both the boys and girls teams to state titles in 2013. It marked the second consecutive for the Lady Raiders which relied on a strong core of returning runners.
What kind of training did your team get in over the summer months leading into the season?
We really didn’t change much from last year. We gradually built up our distance base, ran a bunch of tempos. and attended two camps, FSU and Brevard.
How did you train the team in the final weeks leading up to the state meet?
As we approached the state series our workouts were specific. The last couple workouts were just confidence builders.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to win the state title?
I always believed that we could win. The girls had the ability, but early on lacked the confidence. As the season progressed so did their drive to succeed and their commitment to each other. Cross country is a team sport and they knew that if each person runs up to her ability they would all be heroes.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
The emphasis was on team. We had a few team meetings that were really emotional.
What was the race plan for the state meet and how did you feel it was executed?
At states our goal was to race to win. Each runner knew what they had to do before race time. Run your race and have fun outt there.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
I have to give a shout out to Alexa for winning her first state title, but Brianna, Christina, Meg, and Marina got the job done, Ultimate team effort
What were your feelings and emotions when you realized your team had won or during the awards?
Emotional ! This win was definitely an emotional one. Coming into the season, on paper looking unstoppable, even a national ranking and falling early, and never regaining last year’s form. Then to pull it together when it really counted was just amazing.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
We have had our shares of ups and downs this year. Our biggest challenges were staying healthy. All seven girls had issues at any given point of the season. Thankfully we were able to come together when it counted.
What do you think were the keys for your teams to peak and perform their best at season's end?
A key to our teams top performance has to be team work. As we get closer and closer to the state championship, the team concept got stronger and stronger as well as their belief in each other. Another key is support from alumni and our JV team. Even though the season ends for most of the team, they come out and support the runners going to the state meet. They cheer and encourage them as they run some of their toughest workouts.
What would you consider as the low point of the team's season? How was the team able to respond?
We have had several low points. From Mt .Dew to Pre-State our performances were definitely wakeup calls. Thankfully we had enough time to continue with our training plan.
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to become state champions?
The turning point was at regionals. We went down to Miami to race in the toughest region in the state. We knew that this was the test going ead to head with the number two and four teams in the state. If we could pull off a win, then we knew that we could make the podium again. That meet gave us the mental boost which was needed going into the state meet.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
I am so fortunate to coach such a great group of girls. They really care and support each other and work well together.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
I don’t have an assistant coach. Most days it’s me, my watch, my wheel and sometimes my dog Sawyer. t I do have to give a huge shout out to Michael Wengrenovich though. On meet days he takes care of the scores, chips, stats, and has been traveling with us for the past six years.
What role do your parents have with the program?
I am so lucky to have such a great group of supportive parents. I am so thankful for all of the donations of healthy snacks and drinks throughout the season. I have to thank the parents because if it wasn’t for them these kids wouldn’t possess the character that it takes to be a runner.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
I wouldn’t call it a style. We all have our own personalities. I am loud, intense, caring, passionate, motivated, and competitive. I have been fortunate to have such great mentors and coaches in my life to help influence the way that I coach.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
Our captains were Christina Kalis, Marina Braynon Moore and Brianna Rischar. Leadership of the team is so important, Tey determined the direction of the team. They believed and inspired others to believe.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
When we started in the summer, we had a group of up and coming sophomores challenging for the 7th spot. Nicole DeBrigard had a freshmen PR of 25:09. She responded to the daily challenges. I am so thrilled about how she developed throughout the season. She finished this season with a new PR of 20:11.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
I would have to say this year’s team, because they were the strongest that we have seen at St. Thomas Aquinas winning back to back titles.
Every state championship team seems to have a special or unique makeup that makes them state champions. What were some of those characteristics of this year's team?
This team was caring, ambitious, motivated, and encouraging.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
I’m already excited about next year’s team. We lose two to graduation, so we will be working on filling that void, and look forward to the challenges of a new season.