2012 FACA XC Coaches Clinic Wrap-Up

FACA Cross Country Clinic
Amy Simpson

 

Executive Director Shelton Crews opened the 2012 FACA Conference with a reminder of what the organization is all about: the kids and the coaches.

"It exists for y'all," he said, looking around at the room full of coaches from all over the state.

At the same time, he urged coaches to get their priorities straight, and warned that he might offend people when he said, "If you're not going to do everything in your power for your program and your kids, it's selfish, and you're doing it for you."

"We don't need people like that. We want people to put those kids first. We want people to put their programs first. We want to provide all the resources we can for you," Crews said.

Coaches who attended the conference had plenty of opportunities to learn how to improve their teams. Florida Runners wants to make it easier for those who didn't attend by posting overviews of some of the conference's sessions, so that you can implement new and old ideas alike into your coaching regimen.

Crews himself almost gave up on the FACA, until a friend of his told him, "Don't quit, get involved." And that's just what he did. He climbed the ladder and became more and more involved, eventually earning the position he occupies today. He hadn't planned on becoming the Executive Director; in fact, for the most part he hadn't even wanted it.

"But it's funny how things work out," he said. "I firmly believe that God had a plan for me, and I thank Him every day for that. So what I'm telling you: don't get mad.  Get involved and help us make the changes we need to make for the sport."

Keep a look out for upcoming articles about the conference, and maybe you'll get inspiration that will help your team this season.

Anyone interested in getting involved in FACA has several ways to play a part in the organization. Leaders are chosen from each of four regions in Florida, and the President changes annually. There is a Board of Directors representing Florida's 24 districts, committees for each sport and state and district representatives. The next meeting will occur in August.

For more information, see FACA's website at FloridaCoaches.org.

Video Interview with FACA XC Chair, Kristin McWilliams

 

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