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MileSplit is going around the country talking to top coaches of the nation's best high school cross country programs for some inside info on their squad's success and what to look forward to this coming season from them.</p>
Birmingham Seaholm leaps from 4th in the state to a potential top 10 team in the country as they return six of their top seven runners for the 2014 season. The girls experienced a disappointing 4th place finish at last year's Michigan state championships, but they rebounded with some great times on the oval and are coming back with a strong field of returners. They are led by rising senior Audrey Belf, Michigan State Champion and US Junior Nationals 5K champion, who has a 5k XC PR of 17:02 and ran a blazing 4:43 1600m on the track. Birmingham Seahold is definitely a team to watch out for this upcoming season.
Girls Top 7 Returnees Times : 5K XC - 3200m - 1600m
Q&A with Coach Devantier
Top 7 Girls Returnees from 2013 XC Season (5K Times)
Top 7 Girls Returning 3200m Times from 2014 Outdoor Season
Top 7 Girls Returning 1600m Times from 2014 Outdoor Season
Q&A with Birmingham Seaholm (MI) High School head girls XC coach Jeff Devantier
How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?
I have been coaching cross country at Birmingham Seaholm since 1988 (27 years).
What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?
The success of the program is a combination of many factors. It deals mainly with the dedication of the athletes to running not only during the season but in the off season as well. I also have great support of the parents in this program. Also my wife is very supportive of my coaching endeavors which allows me the freedom to do what is necessary to continue to grow the program.
What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
My style and philosophy deal with the upper classmen mentoring the younger athletes. We stress goal setting (team as well as individual), and dedication to the TEAM. I do most of my coaching during the week before meets. We talk about what needs to done then so that when meet day rolls around I pretty much let the captains take over. I am one less thing they (the competing athletes) need to worry about. They can focus on the task at hand.
What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
I am not a great believer in high mileage during the season. I like my athletes to come into the season with a good mileage base. We do A LOT of interval training during the season. I feel it keeps them sharp and they begin to get comfortable with running fast.
What kind of mileage and summer training have your varsity level runners put in over the last 2-3 months?
My varsity athletes are very dedicated to their training. They probably put in close to 35-45 miles/week prior to the beginning of the season.
How does you and your team view and approach the post-season national meet opportunity that is the Nike Cross Nationals?
In the past we have not stressed post season competition. Mainly because of the restrictions that our state has on post season competition. Those restrictions are loosening so we are definitely looking to continue competing (if allowed) after our state competition. We have had runners compete as individuals at those meets in the past.
How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
We return Audrey Belf(senior), Rachel DaDamio(senior), Julia Demko(senior), Patty Girardot(junior), Mary Sanders(junior), and Delaney O'Brien(senior).
Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
I expect that the athletes listed will all be fighting for a top 7 spot but the competition will be fierce with newcomers Audrey Ladd (sophomore), and Rachel McCardell (freshmen) in the mix. Senior Kate Owens also will make an impact on this field of runners.
To be a top runner on this team you must train all summer (and winter). All of the runners mentioned have done so. They also set a standard that most of the younger runners are beginning to follow and understand.
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
The leaders and captains on this team are Seniors Heather Lee and Rachel DaDamio, and Juniors Mary Sanders and Maclane Paddock. They all have dedicated themselves not only to their own success but to the teams as well. With such a dedicated senior class, leaders are not hard to find. They all help in any way they can to keep this team on a successful path.
What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?
Our target invitationals this year include the Spartan invitational and the Jackson Invitational.
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
The biggest factors or obstacles facing this team is the one that faces most teams. Being healthy on the date of the state meet.
What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
Again, health will be a determining factor. This is a very focused bunch with strong leaders.
What is an annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
We go to camp as the season starts. One of the biggest workouts at camp is our hill workout on a 400 meter trail loop. The girls are in groups of three with two of the girls always running with one resting. It is probably the most memorable workout of camp particularly for the newcomers to the team.
What is an annual or common mid-season workout for your team?
Mid season we run a 5-5-5 workout. 5 repeats of 5 minutes at race pace,with 5 minutes rest in between.
What is an annual or common championship season or end-of-season workout for your team?
The day after our league meet we traditionally run to the local cider mill (Franklin Cider Mill) for cider, donuts and other fall favorites.
What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
Our team goals are set every year at camp. This year the team set goals of:
1. Winning the state meet.
2. Winning what we call the triple crown (league, county, and regional titles) for both the varsity and JV teams.
3. The entire team having a PR of under 27 minutes.
