Not only does Florida have some of the best track and field and cross country athletes in the state of Florida we also have the best coaches around! Brooks, one of the top running companies, wanted to honor those coaches who go above and beyond in the community with their Inspiring Coach of the Year Awards.
According to an official release, "Brooks began giving the Inspiring Coaches Award in 2011 to honor high school track and cross country coaches who create lasting, meaningful differences in their schools and communities and to celebrate their work, energy and all that they do for youth running."
Recently, they named the top twenty-five finalists from thousands of nominations and three Sunshine State coaches made the list: Lightning Bolt Track Club's Garylnn Boyd, Flagler Palm Coast's Dave Halliday, and Land O' Lakes' Kris Keppel.Vote for your favorite coach and remember to vote often! You can vote by clicking the Vote Now link next to their name which will direct you to their respective Facebook pages! Voting goes until july 31st and the winner will be announced August 5th.
Brooks will award each finalist will receive $5,000 in Brooks performance running gear for his or her team; $500 cash for team expenses; and Membership into the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program. he Inspiring Coach of the Year will receive an additional $5,000 in Brooks gear; $2,000 in cash; and Trip for two to the 2015 Brooks PR Invitational.
Coach Garylnn Boyd - Lightning Bolt Track Club
The Nomination: "Twenty-five years ago, Coach Garlynn Boyd started the Lightning Bolt Track Club that quickly became one of the most respected youth track programs in the state of Florida. Coach Garlynn “nurtures, loves and guides her athletes in the right direction. She gives them the hope of having a better life with a good education,” wrote a nominator. Coach Garlynn has taken athletes into her own home and has devoted her life to mentoring youth and bettering her community. In fact, coach has been hospitalized several times in the past few years only to show up at practices in her wheelchair or coach from her hospital bed. “I have seen her take a kid who everyone has given up on and make that kid a state champion who then received a full athletic scholarship to a Div. 1 University,” wrote the same nominator. Inspirational and devoted, coach Garland exemplifies the characteristics of the Inspiring Coaches Program."
Coach Boyd On Being A Finalist/Prize Awarded To Team:
Related Article: Coach Boyd Grateful For Life This Holiday Season
Coach Dave Halliday - Flagler Palm Coast High School
The Nomination: "Not only is Coach David Halliday the track and field chairman for Florida High Schools and the executive vice president for USA Track and Field in Florida, but he was described as a “mentor” and “father figure” by numerous athletes. In fact, as a testimony to those descriptors, Coach Halliday has stood as the best man in several former athletes’ weddings. In addition to helping 48 student athletes earn scholarships to college track programs, Coach Halliday opened his door to struggling athletes who came to live with his family during adverse times in their lives. “Dave has such joy when his athletes meet their personal and athletic goals,” wrote one nominator. “He is a combination of parent, teacher, leader, inspiration, counselor, friend and confidant,” wrote one former athlete’s parent. Coach Halliday’s impact resonates throughout his community, changing lives for the better and inspiring future generations of athletes."
Coach Halliday On Being A Finalist/Prize Awarded To Team: "The honor of being nominated and now selected to the final 25 is very humbling. However, I am more excited for how it will help my kids and the program.It is very exciting! I'm sure like many programs fundraising is not easy. Not having to worry about uniforms and having a few dollars to pay meet registration fees takes a BiG burden off of our fundraising efforts. We can focus on raising money for travel. Winning the entire contest would be HUGE for the program! It would set us up nicely for years to come as far budgeted money for uniforms, travel, and hosting meets."
Related Video (By Ka'Deem Wynn): Inspiring Coach Nomination
Related Article: FPC Track Coach Named To Hall Of Fame
Coach Kris Keppel - Land O Lake's High School
The Nomination: "The Land O’ Lakes High School Gators were sad when they realized that their inspiration, Coach Kris Keppel, would miss the cross country state finals due to his chemotherapy treatment for a cancer diagnosis. To their surprise and delight, Coach Keppel showed up with clipboard in hand and an IV bag attached to his hip. Kris Keppel’s dedication and commitment to the team and the sport he loves is evident at Land O’ Lakes. Coach “knows how to address any issues that may come up - whether it be something with running, something with another teammate, academics, personal problems at home - or how to ask a girl to Homecoming,” wrote the grandmother of a former athlete. Following Coach Keppel’s diagnosis, the team decided to organize, creating “I Run for Keppel” tees – they’ve sold over 500 to date – and one gifted student artist drew a picture of the coach that won a national award and will be housed in a congressional building in Washington, DC. Often, times of trial show us the love we’ve given by the love we then receive. Coach Keppel has given his community a great deal of love."
Coach Keppel On Being A Finalist/Prize Awarded To Team:
I first read about the the award when I saw it on Flrunners in the spring. I heard that I was a finalist via email on the way home from my first chemo treatment on June 8. I didn't think it was real.
Related Article: 17th Gator Invitational: Significant on Many Levels, Running For Keppel