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 John Battle has been at Hallandale "Hurdle" Hurdle High School for thirteen years and in that time has racked up five podium finishes including a 2A runner-up trophy for his girls in 2014.
* Note: The Hallandale boys just missed the podium placing third, six points behind runner-up Florida High.
What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
We did peed endurance training.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium?
I believe the team we have returning in 2015 has the potential to make it back on the podium as a top three finisher. However this team has to get better. We will have a young team with a lot of potential to blossom into something great.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
We had a great week of practice and we were extremely focused. The message we gave our team with to stick together and leave everything on the track.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
We wanted to simply do what we had done all year, We figured if we could do that would be in the top three and possibly state champions.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
On the boys team: John Battle IV, Oliver Alexandre, and Antwuan Musgrove. On the girls team they all truly stepped up for each other. However, we received standout performances from Kimani Rushing, Edquisha Alvin, Lamisha Simmons, Tierra Lacey, Tanisha Hardy, and Makeda Elliott.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
The biggest challenge this team faced was being able to handle the element of competing in poor weather conditions.
Were there any low points in the season and if so how did the team bounce back?
There weren’t truly no low point during the 2014 season. However, losing the state title by one point most certainly has motivated the team to better.
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to make the podium?
During out 2014 time trials and our annual HHS All Comers Meet. We saw that our team competed well against some on the top athletes in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach region. So from that point were destined to have a great season.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
Family. This group of kids truly bonded together and became a family that fought for each other. As a coach that is all that I ask for and the chips will fall where they may.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
Our assistant coaches are the foundation behind our amazing season.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Tough love with positive encouragement reinforcements.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
Our teams were lead by John Battle IV and Edquisha Alvin. These two dynamic individual were instrumental in making sure that the team stuck together. They lead by example with their preparation and execution of being full fledge student athletes. They were our vocal leaders for the younger athletes on the team. The role they played was key to several team victories this year.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
Makeda Elliott. This young lady started the year off competing at a subpar performing level. However, she managed to turn her season around and really turned it on at the end when we needed her most.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
On both the boys and girls teams we had enough to make a lot of noise this year. As a complete program this years' group ranks as one of top three teams we’ve had since 2002.
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?
Ultra competitive extremely versatile, unselfish, and determined to be great.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
The expectations for next year's team is to finish what this years team started. One point away is our motivation.
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