A new coach usually brings major changes to a program, but this year’s girls cross country team proves to be different.
“I have two main principles that I want my runners to think about as they run,” head coach Mr. Ryan Banta said, “Give your best effort and be competitive.”
Even new freshman runners have quickly picked up on Banta’s main principles. Freshman Richelle Bain has not only caught on to Banta’s standards, but has learned something that may stick with her throughout high school.
“I have learned that being lazy doesn’t get you anywhere in literally everything in life or competition,” Bain said.
Senior Elise Gibson, a third-year runner, notices that the old-school presence of Mr. Ken Greathouse is gone. However, according to her, Banta was an influential assistant coach and the coaching styles haven’t changed very much.
According to junior Erin Friesen, another returning runner, there aren’t any noticeable differences in coaching style. However, she said she is more open to hard workouts and isn’t as negative as she was last year.
“He has taught me not to give up and work at what we do,” Friesen said.
Banta created most of the training as assistant coach, so not much of the training has changed. He has added a little more mileage weekly because the team is participating in a more elite schedule.
“Our girls have really stepped up to the competition,” Banta said. “Our captains have been better than ever.”
New assistant coach Mrs. Jennifer Meyer has been a positive change for the program, according to the girls. She usually runs with the girls while Banta drives his golf cart around and times the runners.
Banta is the girls track head coach and says that there is a big difference between cross country and track. In track, there are multiple races, so there are multiple chances to recover. In cross country, there is only one race, which makes the mental aspect of it more important.
“I want the girls to be able to race fast, not run forever slowly,” Banta said.
According to Friesen, Banta really knows what he is doing and works with the runners well. Both Richelle and Elise agree with those statements.
“I think Coach Banta is a great coach,” Bain said. “He encourages us and he’s really funny.”
