During his last 21 years at Estero High School, Coach Sommer's runners at Estero High have lived by 3 simple principles: DISCIPLINE, DESIRE, DEDICATION. The 3 D's, as they're known.
The Wildcats live by those principles day in and day out because by the time most of us are probably entering our first REM cycle, Coach Sommer's runners have once again tested the meaning of his 3 D's. You see, Coach Sommer is a morning Coach and his practices start at 5 am. Subtract out any of the 3 D's and you won't be long for his program. Non-morning types, need not apply.
For those of us who really appreciate just how much discipline, desire and dedication is involved with being a Wildcat distance runner, you really need to experience early morning practices first-hand. I can remember when we had early morning practices in Junior High. Practices started at 0715 and lasted 30 minutes. Oh, how I hated having to get up that early. In many ways I still do, even though running has given way to making a living.
The simple fact is the 3 D's transcend distance running and set in motion many facets of a productive lifestyle. Those 3 principles can have a plethora of different meanings to each and every one of us, but one thing is for sure. The 3 in conjunction are a synergistic cocktail for success. The proof is evident in the successes experienced by Wildcat teams and runners over the last 2 decades.
With State Championship banners in the rafters and Footlocker finalist Bona Jones shoring up the resume, Coach Sommer's latest protege might quite possibly be Junior distance star, Erick Montoya. I had a chance to talk to both recently.
DB: Coach, Erick had a breakout race at the State Track meet in the 3200 running a 17 second PR and looked great. Was that expected?
CS: Erick's PR was expected at the State meet. Because we had him in the 800 and the mile most of the season, he was able to work on his speed for the 3200. We backed him down at the end of the season, which enabled him to have fresh legs. He peaked at the right time.
DB: Erick showed he has some wheels on the track in the deuce. Will that carry over into this Cross-Country season?
CS: We hope that Erick's success in track will carry over into his Cross Country season. We increased Erick's base by increasing his mileage over the summer. We are hoping that the augmented mileage coupled with his disciplined speed workouts will be the combination needed to produce the well-rounded runner we know Erick can be. Ultimately, we are hoping that this combination will be successful for the upcoming season.
DB: What's his greatest strength?
CS: Erick has many strengths. However, if I had to pick one, it would be his work ethic. This comes from him being extremely tough mentally. He is determined not to lose and he works exceptionally hard to ensure that he is the best. He is up everyday at 4am and training by 5am everyday. He is very focused during his workouts so that he extracts the most quality everyday. In addition to rigorous mileage and speed training, Erick swims 3 times a week for 90 minutes with the Estero Swim Team. This helps with his upper body strength. Erick studies other runners, dissects and analyzes every race, every workout and every top runner so that he can maximize his potential. We can't get him to slow down. His work ethic is impeccable. That's what it takes. Erick has talent, but that talent is nurtured every day by his diligence at practice and in his life.
DB: What can he improve upon?
CS: One thing Erick needs to improve on is patience. He has started to exercise some patience and that is one of the reasons he did well at the state meet. He constantly wants to push the pace. He needs to work on being patient at the start of the race, which will enable him to execute strong surges in the middle of the race. Over the next couple of years and for the rest of his career, he must understand aspects of delayed gratification and the importance of patience.
DB: After having great team successes in the mid 90's and more recently taking Bona Jones to Footlocker Nationals, what will it take for Erick to really excel to the next level over the next 2 years?
CS: For Erick to continue to excel, he must maintain his work ethic, keep increasing his mileage, continue cross training in swimming, and most importantly, not think too much. Right now he does 100% of what he his is told. He does not question or over think anything; he just trains, period. Sometimes when athletes become older they worry about jobs, girlfriends and other fleeting aspects of life. Often times as an athlete gets older, he or she will begin to question the coach. It is very important that Erick continues to train and stay as focused as he is without over thinking anything. He must continue to understand that there is a specific purpose to everything we do and to do it, even if that means tapering down the workouts and even resting.
DB: Can you hit some of the highlights over your 21 years at Estero?
CS: There have been many highlights throughout my 21 years of coaching at Estero. Obviously, obtaining 3 state championships (1992, 1997, 1998) has been a highlight. I have also had the opportunity to coach Bona Jones who was a Footlocker finalist. That was an incredible experience. She was an amazing example of hard work and diligence. In addition, taking a kid who has never run before and watching them grow and become better, is also a great highlight for me. Sometimes the biggest victories are what some would feel are small achievements. They are all important to me. I enjoy teaching all kids the 3D's: discipline, desire and dedication.
DB: Do you have a system or methodology to your coaching style?
CS: My philosophy is that the coach has to be in total control. Growing up watching Bobby Knight and Woody Hayes, I have adopted those same viewpoints. We start practice at 5:15 AM. That means that everyone must be warmed up and ready to go at 5:15 am everyday. My belief is that we will (NOT) be outworked. I also believe in high expectations. If you set the bar high, people will strive to meet those goals. Our early practices are very rigorous. We teach all of our athletes discipline, desire and dedication. All three concepts have to be present for an athlete to reach his or her potential. The early practices also weed out the kids who are not serious. Our team has already run 8-10 miles before most kids are even out of bed. It is really something to see teenagers training before dawn and sometimes in the rain in order to reach their goals, it's a great feeling.
DB: Thanks Coach, and best of luck this season.
The Wildcats open their 2008 season Saturday at the Ft Myers Optimist Invitational in Ft Myers at Buckingham Park. The Girls Varsity is scheduled to start at 0830 and Erick , the heavy favorite going into the race, along with his fellow harriers, after a long summer of conditioning are scheduled to start at 0910.
Erick's stats are as follows:
Birthdate: 10/18/91
Height: 5' 7'
Weight: 128
GPA: 3.0
PRs:
3200 Meter Run - 9:23.42 FHSAA Class 3A Finals 2008
1600 Meter Run - 4:24 LCAC
5K CC - 15:54.36 Lee County Athletic Conference Championship
5k Road Race -15:45. Turkey Trot
4 mile- 20:50 Lehigh Spring Festival
Half Marathon -1:16
Hobbies: Rifle, watching movies and naps (now we know why !)
DB: Erick, can you tell us how you first started distance running?
EM: I first started running in sixth grade when my middle school coach suggested I should run track. She put me in the 100-meter dash , but I stepped up with the milers and ran with them. I started the season with a 8:30 mile and ended with a 6:11 in 6th grade. I kept pushing and progressing so my coach suggested I run cross-country as well.
I was never the fastest but I was never one to quit. I finished cross-country season with a 10:52 in the two mile and a 5:01 in the mile. At the end of 8th grade, I met Coach Somner and he has given me the motivation to work hard, not only in running, but in everything I do, especially in school.
DB: What can you tell me about the Estero program and the Boys Team in particular?
EM: The Estero program is starting to rise again, Discipline, Desire, Dedication has taught every one of the boys on the team what hard work is really all about. We only have a few boys on the team, but it is a group of hard workers.
DB: You had a huge breakout performance in the 3200 at State, finishing 2nd, and running a 17 second PR. I don't think a lot of folks saw that coming? Was it a surprise to you as well?
EM: My breakout season was a success. I worked hard to make it that far. I give most of the credit to my coaches, for helping me decrease mileage before big meets. I never liked backing down, it took a lot of learning to figure that out myself. I went into that race wanting to run in the 9:20s and was not going to give up. I got what I wanted, and it's definitely a good feeling.
DB: Since track season concluded, can you tell us how your training has being going? What kind of mileage did you put in over the summer? What was your highest mileage week?
EM: My training has been going phenomenal. I averaged about 50 to 60 miles a week. The whole team was working really hard. Some weeks my team mate Jose Farnot and I would put almost 65 miles in. It was tough, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Sometimes we had to back down, and focus on shorter stuff. I believe in quality not quantity.
DB: Some runners like to lead the race and push the pace? Some runners like to sit back and kick. Some let the race dictate their style. Do you think you have a certain style of running? If so, how would you describe it?
EM: I used to be the one who pushed the pace, and then got passed in the last mile. I learned that you have to be patient, especially if you are racing the big dogs! Now my racing style is whatever the race brings me, unless I feel the pace is off my target pace.
DB: Some runners travel more than others and get big time race experience. Are there any plans to travel to big meets this season?
EM: We actually have a lot more away meets planned this year then last year. My coach wants me to experience meets outside of just Ft. Myers. I know we are going to Footlocker South. That is one I am really looking forward to!
DB: You finished 4th at State last year and will be the second fastest returner behind Bishop Kenny's Michael Wallace. What are your goals for the season?
EM: My goal for the season is to win a state championship. It may not be easy, but it's something I am more than willing to fight for.
DB: Your main competition in 2A seems to be Wallace and senior Connor Revord. from Tampa Jesuit. How do you like your chances competing against them this fall?
EM: I am looking forward to racing both. I like being pushed and they are both really good. I am always up for a challenge.
DB: I understand you're very involved with the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) program at your school. Do you see yourself joining the military and serving someday? Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
EM: In 3-5 years I see myself running in college. I have been looking into joining the Army, and right now I am still looking at all the job opportunities involved in it. I kind of see myself being something along the lines of Law Enforcement, Combat MPO or Special Forces. I like the adrenaline and adventure that comes with careers like that.
Erick and his fellow Wildcats will compete at the following meets this season:
Sept 20th Ft Myers Optimist Invitational
Sept 27th Spanish River Invitational
Oct 4th FLRunners.com 9 Invitational Presented by Nike
Oct 11th Land O' Lakes Invitational
Oct 18th Pre-State at Dade City
Oct 24th Conference Meet
Nov 1st Lely Invitational
Nov 7th FHSAA 2A District 6
Nov 14th FHSAA 2A Region 3
Nov 22nd FHSAA 2A State Finals