The new head coach this year, Michael Grether, is an extremely upbeat, positive person with a lot of energy and a good sense of humor. Many of the track athletes are excited to compete under coach Grether who was previously the middle school track and field coach.
Grether’s background suggests that he will be an excellent motivator and a empathetic leader. Grether specializes in distance, sprints and high jump training. Grether coached the middle school track and field team from 2009 to 2011 and had a great deal of success. During his tenure, he coached two undefeated teams and broke 16 out of the 20 school records. He was a three sport lettermen at North Royalton High School, lettering in Cross Country, Wrestling and Track.
While Grether may seem like an excellent fit, students say anything will be an improvement from Jason Tindal, more commonly known as “Daddy T.” Tindal was last year’s head coach and left athletes with a bitter feeling due to his serious and sometimes even hurtful demeanor. Some students claimed their experience was so bad that they are not coming back.
This is the second consecutive year a new head coach has been introduced to the Leesville track team. For most students, it is hard to stay committed when there is a new head coach every year.
Alan Koruth, junior, asked, “If the coach can’t stay committed, why should I stay committed?” Koruth is not alone in his questioning of past track coach’s commitment.
Fortunately both of the co-head coaches, Mathew Cross and James Ross are starting their second year at Leesville and are already known by many of the returning athletes. This commitment displayed by both coaches has inspired many athletes like Koruth to stay devoted and keep going when the going gets tough.
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