Running can be a life-long sport

Posted 8/26/21

“It can change your life forever.”  

New Alba-Golden cross country coach David Smith summarized just why cross country is important. He offered that the sport can be the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Running can be a life-long sport

Posted

“It can change your life forever.”  

New Alba-Golden cross country coach David Smith summarized just why cross country is important. He offered that the sport can be the foundation of a life-long sporting career. Young people who begin to develop long-distance running skills in school often benefit from the health and competitive advantages throughout their life.

He offered his personal history as an example. Two mentors, a coach and a family friend, took an interest in his running stamina. As a small, slightly-built seventh grade athlete, Smith accepted the challenge that running represented, and it has been a big part of his life ever since.

“You don’t need a ball, or equipment, or to chase up a team to compete…you can run at any time anywhere in the world,” he stated.   

It is with this perspective that Smith will endeavor to build a strong cross country team at Alba-Golden. Smith admitted the difficulties posed by trying to recruit high school athletes for cross country, as they are often set in their ways. However, instilling running-competitiveness in younger athletes can build perpetual success in the sport.

“Success begets success,” he acknowledged. Smith explained that once established, a well-executed cross country program can become self-sustaining.

Smith is joining the Panthers after a one year stint at Grand Saline. The four previous years, he built the Mineola cross country team, step by step. Upon his departure he had nurtured competitive boys and girls teams and had seen 50 runners in the middle school and high school programs.

He describes the sport as the ultimate self-evaluation.

“It is an opportunity,” he said, “to find out exactly who you are as an individual.” 

He added that there are no time-outs, no breaks and no one else to depend on. That test of fortitude is unique in its singularity.

Smith is excited to be bringing that challenge to Alba-Golden.

“It is a great fit for me and my family,” he noted. He and his wife, Jennifer, are still celebrating the birth of their first child, Levi David. Jennifer will be joining her husband teaching in the sixth grade.

Smith invites those interested in watching some local athletes face the challenges of cross country to come to the Mineola Nature Preserve on Thursday, Sept. 16 for a meet hosted by Alba-Golden. Thirty schools will be competing at the race and facing the great individual challenges presented by the sport.