Personal
in Kaskaskia College Cross Country &Personal by coach mike on 22 Sep 2011
Not me but sort sort of…………….because all my family is in one place. We got my daughter and grand daughter home today (their home). Let me tell you a little story. After over 20 hours of labor the doctors finally deciding that she was not going to be able deliver naturally. So had to move to plan B, which is a c section. So this kept her in the hospital for a few extra days, since this is major surgery. So today she came home, to her apartment in Hoboken, NJ. The apartment is on the fourth floor, there are 3 flights and a total of 50 steps. Also in Hoboken there no such thing as good parking, some days it could take 30 plus minutes to find a place. So while Ryan and Vicky are unloading the car and getting Eliza ready to head up to her new home, I got to help Audrey up all those steps. Let me tell you I’m winded by the time I get up to the top. So I’m helping her and we are talking about getting up all those steps. She is positive about all of it. She says “Dad it can’t be any tougher than that 9th mile repeat we use to do in cross country for Coach Phillips!” By the time we get to the top I’m exhaust and she could of did a couple more flights! She is tough and has always been tough and a lot of that comes from her running days. She was not the best by any means, but she always worked hard! And sometimes just the confidence that running that 9th or 5th or what ever you did gives you the feeling that you can conquer anything. And that my runners is what this is really all about, pushing yourself to do your very best, having some fun and along the way beating some people or just beating that ticking clock! See you all soon.
Coach
in Personal by coach mike on 17 Aug 2011
TC as he is known, is heading out on a new adventure. Actually this might be his first real adventure. After earning his degree at SIU-E, he started a job at Boeing. But it was not what he wanted, so he decided to take that chance, to give up a good, secure job to take a shot at what he had always dreamed of. Youth is on his side, so now was the time to go east. So he is flying out tonight, heading for the Big Apple, to make his fortune, to pan for gold. He does have some support, his sister and brother in law will let him crash with them for awhile. So his adventure begins, my advice, be yourself, you have what it takes and when given that chance, give your all! Love you!
in Personal by coach mike on 09 Feb 2009
The second week of February is here. No turning back the clock. The weather has not been very good, until this week. We need to get some good practices under our belts or under our shoes. Right now I’m not sure what we could do. Lots of the guys have been sick-lots of the flu bug going around. Oh well, do what you can, with what you have. We have some very interesting freshmen, Mr. Barringer can climb a rope and then he can rip his hands to shreds when he slides down it! Paul has never been out for track, not sure what he wants to do, but at least he’s trying. What about the Iuka boys-Heser the running machine, Albert looks very interesting to me, he might be able to do a lot of different things, Slover is high jumper (I think he is a Iuka boy). Then Bradly Davis pole vaulter and hurdler, we always need freshmen pole vaulters. There is the X man, Goosetree, the freshmen class looks strong. I hope we get some good weather to get some work in!
in Personal by coach mike on 30 Oct 2008
How do you measure success? Wins, loses? Should success be measured by that instant in time when the game or event ends, by the final result? Or should success be measured in the days and weeks and months that follow? What is success? Money in the bank? A big house? A nice car? Not everyone can win the game, win the race, but can everyone be a success?
in Personal by coach mike on 15 Jun 2008
Whether its father’s day or mother’s day-they are two of the most important people in your life-I have been lucky enough to have a great mother and father. I know now a days a lot of young people are lucky to have one special person in their lives. So if you are one of lucky ones make sure your parents or parent knows how much they mean to you. Gifts aren’t important, cards aren’t important, how about a big hug, a thank you and a “I love you!” If you haven’t talked to your dad for awhile for some reason or another, today is the day to change that! Give him a call, drop by and say hello, make the effort, sometimes thats all it takes, someone making the effort. Have a nice day and keep running, its time to build that base for the fall!
in Personal by coach mike on 09 May 2008
Corey Hopkins came by practice, I had called him about helping me with the jumpers this week, the only problem was the weather, rain. So he spent some time with Sager talking about the high jump, and we talked some, Corey was always serious about his craft and has a wealth of knowledge about jumping, will make a great coach someday, I just wish his body had allow him to compete in college. Then tonight my cell phone rang and Justin Helpingstine called he was on his way back from a meet in Indiana where several of the 800 meters guys went to try to make qualifier. He ran his personal best 1:52 something, I can never remember the . somethings. He was real pumped up, next week they are flying to Georgia to race again in the 800, he might pr again. It was nice to see and talk to former friends and athletes.
in Personal by coach mike on 27 Mar 2008
Seems in our area right now, there are a lot of insurance claims. I don’t understand this act of nature or they use to call it “an act of God.” I’m sure God is sitting up there saying “drop that tree there and drive that car through that house and let the wind blow that tree on your neighbor’s house.” If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house your insurance doesn’t have to pay and they won’t pay you to have the tree cut off the house, because its an “act of nature!” What about all those people that live close to big rivers, can’t get flood insurance. The insurance companies don’t mind taking your premiums, but you better read the fine print! I’m not sure what is covered? Back to the act of nature, if you are driving down the road and hit a patch of ice, loose control and wreck, you’re going to get a ticket for “driving to fast for conditions.” No matter how slow you were going. There almost needs to be a sign that tells you what speed to go for different conditions. 10 mph if there’s 10 inches of snow? If you have that wreck and get that ticket, guess what? Your insurance rates probably will go up. But isn’t that an “act of nature?” This has nothing to do with track or cross country, but hey its my site! Good luck and watch out for nature, if you’re in the woods and a bear eats you! Its an “act of nature!” I’m not sure your life insurance will pay off!
in Personal &Practice by coach mike on 09 Feb 2008
Practice was good today. Starting to see some things shape up a little. Some bad news a young jumper/hurdler torn up his ankle at basketball practice last week. Going to see a specialist. We are keeping our fingers crossed. I just liked the way the guys are working. I can’t wait to be able to go outside and get some real work in!
Jon Williams showed up today and will help the throwers a ton. Still waiting on some young runners to show, I pass the word that if you were going to the first indoor, it was time to start showing up. ( I run a loose ship at this time of year.)
Talked to Ryan Knapp or Kidnapp’s parents last night and he is getting better, he had come up with pneumonia and will be out a few weeks. Get well soon and get back on those hurdle drills.
One final thought, and this is for my good friend and co-coach Kevin and his wife Pam. Pam has a type of cancer, that is rare and slow moving. They have been in Texas all week at research center, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them. Be safe.
The world some days seems to be spinning out of control, keep your family and friends close, so we will have more hands to hang on with!
in Personal by coach mike on 09 Feb 2008
Went to Andy’s visitation last night. Lots of young people there. Andy was in (will always be) a group of good friends, several of them worked with him at Austin’s Restaurant. Guys like Nick, Tim, Jordan, and Linder just to name a few. I told his dad that Andy always made me smile.