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 Doug Butler is in his 13th year at Holy Trinity and 8th as the track and field coach for the Tigers. On the track, his team's have won six state championships including the fourth for the girls which they achieved this year.
What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
Nothing special. The same workouts we do all year long. We maybe shortened the intervals and lengthened the recovery a little.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium?
We knew with Daryth and Gaby (Gayles) healthy that we had a very good chance of winning state.
We knew with Daryth and Gaby (Gayles) healthy that we had a very good chance of winning state.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
Don't try and do anything different. You are not competing against another team. You are competing against your own times, heights, or distances.
Don't try and do anything different. You are not competing against another team. You are competing against your own times, heights, or distances.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
Relax and do the best you can. Whatever happens was his will and was meant to be.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
We had 14 girls that all competed to their best ability on a very windy and rainy day.
We had 14 girls that all competed to their best ability on a very windy and rainy 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?
Nope. Never count it in the bag until after the 17th event is scored.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
These are wesome kids from awesome families. If it weren't for these kids and their families I wouldn't coach.
These are wesome kids from awesome families. If it weren't for these kids and their families I wouldn't coach.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
I am too hard to work with some say, so I only have one assistant coach. We have 100 kids on the team and Coach Marc Bailey can turn lemons into lemonade! He does it all!
I am too hard to work with some say, so I only have one assistant coach. We have 100 kids on the team and Coach Marc Bailey can turn lemons into lemonade! He does it all!
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Passionate, dedicated, hard working, lead by example. Get on board or get out of the way.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
We dont really have assigned team captains but imergent leaders. Daryth and Gaby, James Lovett were the afternoon crew leaders and Andrew cacciatore more or less is the morning leader for track.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
No big surprises, we set the bar high for all 100 kids and most all step up to the challenge.
No big surprises, we set the bar high for all 100 kids and most all step up to the challenge.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
This years girls team was overly deep on the distance side compared to other years.
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?
Crazy, fun to be around, and sometimes drive me crazy!
What are your expectations for next year's team?
The expectations are to try and fill the void of Daryth and Gaby.
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