In this series we take a look at state championship and runner-up coaches, their outlook on the team, the season, and the future of the program. Coach Enrico Knowles has been at American High School the past 11 years. In 2014, he lead the underdog Patriots to a runner-up finish at the 4A State Championships.
What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
I wanted to make sure they were sharp going in, so we cut back on volume, and raised intensity while giving longer rest with fewer reps. It's nothing fancy or different than what any high school or college coach wouldn't do across the country.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium?
I felt we had a very good chance of winning state, but I knew taking down Coach Armenteros and his team-St Thomas was going to be extremely tough. We were the unknown small guys with big hearts going up against a juggernaut with resources at their disposal. We came up short, but I congratulate St Thomas on their hard fought victory.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
I am an extremely passionate guy who wants to win so I like to be blunt and speak the truth to them however it comes out. I told them that GRINDERS and HUSTLERS win state championships not little boys who run to mommy and daddy because you are scared of the moment that is to come. Fear is a feeling that can be conquered not a being, a people or a team that YOU created to be invincible.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
The kids knew the points and where they had to finish, but unfortunately they were not executed the way we had it set up. Some of the kids knew what they did wrong apart from the meet which I know they would not repeat the same mistake in the future.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
Christian Williams for sure. This was his second consecutive high jump state title and to win it twice in the rain was remarkable.The 4x8 winning team of Brandon Damon (pictured above), Yohance Haynes, Dawun Hylton and Ari Cogdell. The winning 4x4 team of Darius Fortune, Dawun Hylton, Shammond Williams and Ari Cogdell, was the highlight of the night
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
I won't go into it publicly, but it was outside influences that tried to divide the team and I. As a coach I tried to buffer it from them because everyday at practice I saw the struggle emotionally that some of them were going through. In the end all coaches want to do is be left alone with THEIR kids to do it THEIR way. But I'll hand it to those kids, they handled it gracefully.
Were there any low points in the season? How did the team bounce back?
The low points I would say it has to be the state meet because we fell short of our goal. I would say the kids indeed bounced back at Golden South (pictured below) running a 3:12, fastest time in the nation AFTER running races throughout the day.
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to become state champions?
It was districts and especially regionals. We organized the workouts for the athletes to peak around that time because that is the most important part of the season. I knew their time would drop, but I wasn't expecting it to drop significantly like it did. At that moment I knew we had what we needed to win state.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
Talented, but in need of guidance of the details you need to be successful at the next level in college. They are also some crazy kids.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
I have some great assistant coaches in Coach Karym, Coach Russell, and Coach Travis. They play a huge role in my success with this school. But a special shout out needs to go to Coach Alex Johnson who I brought on to coach my mid-distance and long distance guys. He has taken such a load off me as a head coach and as a result of that I became a much better coach myself. I don't have to run around like a crazed maniac and coach every event. He is an excellent coach and I know his track record of success with kids. I trust him unequivocally and had no problem handing over some coaching duties to him which says a lot because I am a recovering control freak. I KNOW that I would not be successful without him.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Scientific. I like explaining and breaking every jump, sprint or run down to the kids because I am in love with science especially kinesiology. Passionate because I'm obsessed with trying to get my kids better NOT just the talented ones on the team as some coaches and people that I've experienced only care about. Sightly Neurotic. I always have ideas floating around my head written on little pieces of paper and I'll turn almost anything into a workout for my kids and if it doesn't work then it doesn't work because I'm not afraid to fail.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
I had three. Tristan Enriquez my miler who led the distance squad plus you never had to explain a workout twice to him. Ari Cogdell, my 400 meter runner for the sprinters because he was Superman on the team and they followed him. He might have been one the smallest in practice, but he carried a big stick in track meets. Lastly, Dwayne Holloway my shot putter who was my outspoken leader for the field events.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
Without question it would be, Lavoris Johnson dropping from a 12.29 to 11.45, Isaiah Williams dropping from 11.95 to 11.27, and Brandon Damon dropping from a 2:04 to a 1:59 all in one year. That may not be important to other people but it is to me.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
I've had some great teams in the past and they are special to me because they laid the foundation for these other kids. In the past I only had certain events that dominated, but this would have to be my most complete team.
Every podium team seems to have a special or unique makeup that makes them great. What were some of those characteristics of this year's team?
This team treated each other like brothers and were willing to fight for each other and that is very important for a team to have to be successful
What are your expectations for next year's team?
The expectation is to win state. Plain and simple.