Flrunners is reaching out to interview and recognize all of the head coaches from the victorious cross country state championship teams to give them the opportunity to reflect and share their feelings and thoughts on their team's successful fall seasons culminating with state team titles. Coach Trish Butler guided the St. Thomas Aquinas girls to their first team title in 2012 after coming so close in year's past.
How many years have you now been coaching?
I have been coaching for eleven years with the last eight seasons at St Thomas Aquinas.
What advice did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
The pressure was on them all year and they learned to handle that. When I spoke to the team the last week, I spoke about how far they have come, how much work they did, and now it’s time to go out have fun. Racing was their reward.
What was the race plan for the state meet and how did you feel it was executed?
The plan was to run to win, try to keep the pack tight, attack the hill and beyond, and work the last mile. I felt that they did that.
What were your feelings and emotions when you realized your team had won or during the awards?
I was very excited. Each year we have come so close and to finally win our first state championship was so rewarding.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
The biggest challenge was leadership. As a young team with no seniors and only two juniors, I was looking for people to take the leadership role and thank goodness juniors Christina Kalis and Marina Braynon Moore stepped up as captains. They more than surpassed all expectations.
What do you think were the keys for your team to peak and perform their best at season's end?
Traditionally St Thomas has always peaked at the state championship. I’s no secret, smart training and smart racing.
What would you consider as the low point of the team's season? How was the team able to respond?
We really didn’t have any low points, just some bumps in the road. Meg Schloss (8th place last year) was very sick in Sept.ember and missed some key training weeks. She started out as our number six runner and slowly regained her strength. Christina Kalis who was injured last season has had several issues with her IT Band and was forced to drop out of several races. Thankfully she kept up on all the little things that keep her healthy.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
Awesome! I have a great group of kids. They are caring, energetic, and motivated. They are committed to each other and work well together.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
I don’t have an assistant coach. During the summer months my daughter is my assistant. Jess ran with and mentored the team on runs, core, and drills. She was very helpful and insightful to the team.
What role do your parents have with the program?
I am blessed to have such a great group of parents. Without their support and commitment my program would not be what it is today.
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
I’ve had so many great coaches and mentors over the years that have all influenced my coaching style. I just go with what I know.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
Alexa Cruz was our frontrunner. She inspired her teammates to try harder and to believe in themselves. Our captains Christina Kalis and Marina Braynon Moore committed themselves to our goal and held their teammates accountable on a daily basis. Our captains determined the success of the team and what they were willing to sacrifice. Leadership is so important to a team’s success.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
We had such a great group of newcomers, but I would have say that first time runner Lily Kloepfer was a nice surprise. She came out in July and ran 17 minutes for two miles and at the state championship she ran 19:42.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
I’m excited about next year. We are setting our goals high and our dreams big. With all varsity runners returning for the boys (16:21 team average) and girls teams ( 18:39 team average), the possibilities for St Thomas are endless. It just depends on what they are willing to sacrifice.
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