A Run On Culture
By Scott Burns
The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School (www.WhippetsXC.com).
A Run On Culture Oct 06, 2021
Gary Martin, PA State Record Holder 1600m/Mile
Gary Martin is the PA State Record Holder in the 1600m (4:02.15) and Full Mile (4:03.53) and he sits down to discuss his incredible season and the importance of the running culture on his development. The recent Virginia commit replays the race from his perspective and offers some advice to younger athletes looking for a break out season. We also dive into some of his training and how essential it is to be a part of his team at Archbishop Wood HS.
Watch the full record breaking race here.
This episode was recorded during the summer of 2021.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns, the head coach at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
Twitter: @WhippetsXC
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Kevin Kelly, West Chester Henderson XC/TF Coach
There is a long and decorated list of phenomenal athletes that have gone through Coach Kevin Kelly's West Chester Henderson Cross Country and Track and Field Programs. Names such as Ian Gottesfeld, Greg Williams, Will Keller, Luke Lefebure, Steve Thompson, Tony Russell, Reiny Barchet, Chris Aldrich, Spencer Smucker, Chris Ferry and more fill the record books and line the hallways with State Championship trophies and banners. His influence also extends into the coaching ranks with many former athletes, from his time as Head Coach at West Chester University, now coaching in Pennsylvania and beyond. Coach Kelly is also the race director for some of the best meets the state has to offer; including the PA Distance Festival, Henderson Invitational, West Chester Mile, and Warrior Invitational. The Henderson Track, with it's iconic retainer wall on the final turn, has become host to many of the fastest times ever run in PA; including the 1600, Mile and 3200m High School State Records.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns, the head coach at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
Twitter: @WhippetsXC
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Aiden Barnhill & Declan Rymer (4:05 - 1600m Runners)
Teammates, Best Friends, Competitors - Aiden Barnhill (PA All-Time #6 1600m 4:05.52) and Declan Rymer (PA All-Time #7 1600m 4:05.99) tell us all about their path to success and how they became the fastest distance duo in Pennsylvania State History in this week's A Run On Culture Podcast. Barnhill, who will be heading to Northern Arizona University this fall, candidly retells his perspective from the Championship meets and shares his feelings heading into the John Hay 1600m/Mile. While Declan Rymer, who will be running for Virginia Tech, provides insights into the training and mentality of these two high school phenoms. It doesn't get better than this, listening the athletes that took a journey to the top together.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns, the head coach at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
Twitter: @WhippetsXC
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Mark Schmidt, Bishop Shanahan HS
In this episode, Brock Butler takes the lead in interviewing Mark Schmidt, the girls' head coach at Bishop Shanahan HS and recent assistant coach at Downingtown West HS. Mark shares his perspective on the amazing season the high school boys distance runners in Pennsylvania enjoyed, which included 5 of the top 10 1600m times in the nation. With a behind the scenes look at the Downingtown West duo of Declan Rymer and Aiden Barnhill, Coach Schimdt has some keen insights on what led to their development and success this past spring.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns, the head coach at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
Grace Forbes Rice University / Strath Haven
This past winter, Grace Forbes of Rice University ran the second fastest indoor 3000m by a freshman in NCAA history with a time of 8:56.82, winning the C-USA Conference and qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships. Earlier in the fall Grace placed 87th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships running the 10th-fastest time by a freshman. While at Strath Haven Under Coach Bill Coran, Forbes was the 2019 PA AAA State Champion in the 800m, a two-time District I Champion in 800m, a District Champion in 1600m, and anchored the State Champion 4x800m relay team.
Quote by Shalane Flanagan
“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.”
Quote on Culture from Grace Forbes
“At Rice, my team always strived to be the most supportive and caring group of individuals. In doing this, we create a bond of togetherness that I truly believe will last a lifetime.”
Bybee, Kenny. “Amazing Grace.” Rice Owls, 2020, riceowls.com/news/2020/5/26/womens-cross-country-amazing-grace.aspx.
Accomplishments
3x Delco Runner of the Year, state champion in the 800m, two-time district champion in 800m, district champion in 1600m, three-time Delaware County champion in the 1600m (Delco record holder), two-time Delaware County champion in the 800m, 12 school records, placed 87th overall at the NCAA Championships, received Freshman of the Meet honors at the Conference USA XC Championships, named the C-USA Track Performer of the Meet and Freshman of the Meet after garnering the most points (20) at the C-USA Championships, winning both the mile and 3000m, and qualified for the NCAA Championships (which were canceled) by getting the 3000m school record with a time of 8:56.82 (C-USA record)
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Paul Poiesz Central Bucks South
In this episode of A Run On Culture, Matt Farrell (@mattfarrell_13), former Downingtown West runner, takes the mic to interview longtime Philadelphia Track & Field legend Paul Poiesz. As a coach Paul won 14 Catholic League championships while at Bishop McDevitt High School from 1981-2005; then in 2014 at CB South, he guided the girls 4x800m relay - which included his daughter Kaitlin Poiesz (@kait_katbar) - to a state championship and new state record in the 4x800m relay, running 8:51.49.
In addition, Paul has also built a phenomenal career as a prominent USA Track & Field certified Master Official working as the starter at many of the largest meets around the nation, including the Penn Relays, High School and Collegiate Championship Meets and the US Olympic Trials.
Central Bucks South Girls State Record 4x800 Relay - 8:51.49
Read this six-part series chronicling the 2014 record setting girls 4x800m relay that ran 8:51.49.
(The Central Bucks South 4x800 Relay - A 6-part story of the perfect season by four best friends)
Camp Tecumseh
(https://www.camptecumseh.net/)
“CAMP TECUMSEH, founded in 1903, is a residential camp offering a wide variety of activities for boys ages 8-16. Tecumseh is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with nearly two miles of shoreline on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, New England’s largest lake. The campus covers over 300 acres and boasts some of the finest camp facilities in the country.”
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Doug Petrick Upper St. Clair HS
Coach Doug Petrick (@DougPetrick1) from Upper St. Clair High School, just outside of Pittsburg, is the northeast contributor on CoachingDistance.com and the director of the USCTFXC Coaches Clinic which will take place on June 26th. This fall he guided the USC girls to a stellar 4th place team finish at the PIAA AAA XC State Championship. On twitter and zoom Coach Petrick continually fosters conversations and opportunities for coaches to connect, share and learn from each other. (Twitter: @DougPetrick1 & @ClinicUSCXCTF | Instagram. dpetrick76)
Quote from Good To Great by Jim Collins
“People want to be part of this spinning flywheel; they want to be part of a championship team; they want to be part of a first-class culture. When the cross-country team posts yet another championship banner in the gym, more kids sign up, the gene pool deepens, the team gets faster, which produces more championships, which attracts more kids, which creates even faster teams, and so forth and so on, in the infectious flywheel effect.”
- Jim Collins, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't
Shaw, Savannah. “The Strength of the Pack.” The Oval Magazine, 20 Apr. 2020,
theovalmagazine.com/2020/04/14/the-strength-of-the-pack/.
Quote on Culture from Doug Petrick
“Culture is what keeps the program progressing as each season progresses. All athletes contribute to the culture of the team in different ways- by actions, by words, by contributions, by being ambassadors of the program. We keep a positive culture by modeling learning, evolving, and positivity as coaches. We use intention to support contributions by athletes that move this positive culture forward.”
USCTFXC Coaches Clinic - June 26th (https://t.co/EyUUwHInxJ?amp=1)
Featuring Coach Paul Vandersteen of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois; Coach Dennis Barker of Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota; and Physical Therapist Kelly Kuhn from Kelly Kuhn Physical Therapy, Pennsylvania.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/runonculture
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Twitter: @WhippetsXC
Instagram: dwestxctf
Atlanta Track Club Elite
In this episode of A Run on Culture we welcome the Atlanta Track Club Elite (@ATLtcElite). We discuss trust and belief, two essential elements to building a sustainable and successful culture as well as the positive mindset cultivated by Amy and Andrew Begley to foster growth and risk taking in their athletes. Together they have created a team of national and world caliber elites and one of the biggest running clubs in the nation!
Olympian Amy Yoder Begley (@yoderbegley) was a 4-time State Champion in HS, a 15x All American at Arkansas, a 2x NCAA Champion, she finished 3rd at Olympic Trails in the 10k in 2008, was the 10k National Champion in 2009 and represented the United States in the 10,000m at the Beijing Olympics.
Andrew Begley (@begleytrack) joins his wife coaching the Atlanta Track Club elites. At Arkansas, Andrew was a 3-time All American. At the 2000 US Olympic Trials he finished 16th in the 10,000m. As a coach he’s seen it all, from an Oregon HS, to Uconn, to pros. He has coached eight U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers, five U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trial Qualifiers, and 16 different U.S. Championship qualifiers.
Yolanda Ngarambe (@yolleboll) is the current Swedish National record holder in the indoor mile running 4:28.30. She was also the 2019 Swedish Indoor and Outdoor Champion in the 1500m. She finished 14th at the 2019 World Championships in the 1500m (reaching semi-final). She is a talented middle distance runner that has helped put ATC on the world stage in track.
Brandon Lasater (@Lassy92B), grew up in Middle Georgia, went to college at Georgia Tech and has been in Atlanta ever since. He was the first Georgia native to ever break 4 in the mile, he has run 1:45 for 800m and placed 3rd at USATF Outdoors in that event. He represented Team USA at NACAC in 2018 and has been as high as 2nd at the US championship with 6 top 7 finishes between Indoor, Outdoor, and Roads.
Huge thanks to Matt Farrell (@mattfarrell_13) for helping coordinate this meeting and for joining us on our podcast this week.
A Run On Culture podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. The Run Culture Podcast is a project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School focused on building community with a shared purpose of continuing to learn and grow.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Brock Butler and Zach Miller
In this episode of A Run On Culture we talk with two local community runners, Brock Butler (@BrockButler) and Zach Miller (@zacharymiller22). Brock and Zach are two of the most successful sub-elite runners in the tri-state area, running everything from track 4x400m relays to road 5ks to Marathons with great success. This past fall Brock crushed a 2:25:43 at the Berlin marathon as a masters competitor, while Zach broke through the 230 barrier with a new PR of 2:29:41 at the Wineglass Marathon. Both Zach and Brock have incredible discipline in their training with consistent mileage and strength and mobility work all while maintaining an impressive balance with their family and work lives.
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Gavin Maxwell Kennett HS
In this episode of A Run On Culture we talk with rising senior Gavin Maxwell of Kennett High School (@khsTF), one of the genuine “good guys” and a remarkable young man who is ready to take it to the next level this summer. At the 2019 PIAA XC State Championship Gavin finished 28th overall and went on a few weeks later to win the Nike Regional Open Division.
I ask Gavin why he thinks people should cheer for him and what makes him stand out in the field. Which leads to a discussion about gratitude and how we are all in this sport together.
Gavin takes us inside a difficult 1600m final at last year’s PIAA District 1 Outdoor Championship and talks about his decision to make an early move and the lessons he’s learned. We discuss how winning the NXR open race helped him bounce back after missing the medals at states and the importance of shared experiences with teammates. With a strong junior class behind him, we talk about Gavin becoming a captain and guiding his team. I ask Gavin to share his thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg's (chief operating officer, Facebook) quote, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” Finally, we dive into the culture at Kennett and Gavin tells us one of his favorite things that his coaches do.
This is a fantastic interview with Gavin Maxwell, so grab a notebook and pencil to capture some of the secrets that are making Kennett a place for runners to thrive.
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Mark Lacianca Unionville HS
Unionville High School coach Mark Lacianca (@LacUVille) earned notoriety, appearing in Runner’s World, for his implementation of cross training on the way to two NXN berths. Lacianca and his cross training methods also receive mention in the recently released Amazing Racers by Marc Bloom, which dissects the Fayetteville-Manlius dynasty.
In the past few years, Coach Lacianca has led the charge to implement changes to the traditional dual meet model moving instead to a more athlete friendly Supermeet which provides better opportunities for training and racing. He argues that athletes often over race during the traditional league meet season and sacrifice valuable training in the process.
Coach Lacianca (mlacianca@ucfsd.net) produces leaders throughout his program with running groups and watch leaders to help foster an interconnected and positive culture. Moreover, a major focus on the team drives their shared purpose. Unionville places an emphasis on the 4x800 relay in the spring and pack running in the fall - conversations routinely revolve around the team because, “It’s a lot more fun when you’re bringing everyone along.”
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaNVwhsGVJA
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-run-on-culture/id1506857114
Naomi Hillen Pottsgrove HS
Naomi Hillen finished 15th overall at the PIAA AAA Girls State Cross Country Championships this past November. She captured a big win at Lehigh's Paul Short Run in the White Division running a personal best 18:37 in a dramatic kick to the finish against Pennsbury's Tatum Lynch. As a sophomore, Naomi became the first Pottsgrove individual Pioneer Athletic Conference league champion in over 20 years.
In this episode of A Run On Culture, Naomi shares her advice to girls thinking about switching from soccer to cross country as well as what keeps her motivated to continue training during the current shutdown. With only 5 girls on her team every runner really does count, but that hasn't stopped Naomi and her teammates from building strong bonds and leaning on each other to reach their goals. She also replays her big Lehigh win, a let down at her district meet and a triumphant state meet which she attributes to her grittiness and fight.
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
Podcast: https://youtu.be/lsM4W8kFJNA
006 - Greg Bielecki (La Salle College High School)
In Episode 6 of A Run On Culture we talk with Coach Greg Bielecki of the La Salle College High School Explorers.
Since joining the PIAA in the fall of 2008 La Salle Cross Country has 11 top 10 finishes, 8 top 5 finishes, and 4 top 2 podium finishes at the PIAA Cross Country State Championship Meet. In 2013 their DMR (Andrew Stone, Levi Hardy, Jack Magee, and Tom Coyle) won the Penn Relays Championship of America. They have captured three Distance Medley Relay Indoor State titles since 2008 and La Salle XC/T&F has won a combined 21 Philadelphia Catholic League team titles.
Greg lets us dive inside the La Salle culture and explains his program philosophy as well as how he is training his team during the Covid-19 crisis. We compare that current training to what a typical outdoor training season might have looked like. Then Coach Bielecki describes the feeling of winning both a Penn Relays Wheel and a Cross Country State Championship. Inevitably it all comes back to an inclusive environment that focuses on hard work and the process over results.
At Haverford College, Greg was a 3x NCAA All-American, including a National Championship in the DMR. In addition, he is a 3x Top Philadelphia finisher at the Broad Street Run and holds a marathon PR of 2:29.
Explorers Virtual Mile (Wed May 6 - Sun May 10, 2020) - www.RunSignUp.com/ExplorersMile
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/WJTUpoAiJqE
005 - Ben Datte & Holden Betz (Downingtown West)
In this episode of A Run On Culture we talk to Ben Datte and Holden Betz from Downingtown West High School. Ben and Holden were the number 3 and 4 runners for the 2019 PIAA AAA State Champion Whippets finishing 25th and 26th overall. We get to hear their story of the state meet and what it felt like to win a title, as well as their take on culture. I ask Ben about his choice of Appalachian State University to continue his running career and Holden tells us who he thinks will help Downingtown West get back to the top next year.
Henderson Virtual 3200m - www.RunSignUp.com/Hen32
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ISvhCw4jS50
004 - Henderson Girls XC
In this episode of A Run On Culture we talk with the varsity girls from West Chester Henderson High School including Amanda Kelly, Liesl Scherrer, Caroline Miller and 2x NXN Qualifier and 2018 XC State Champion Jenna Mulhern. The girls tell us about their training during the Covid-19 crisis as well as their thoughts on virtual racing. Amanda Kelly fills us in on what it's like to be coached by her dad, while Jenna discusses the NXN experience. All of this and more makes for a fantastic conversation with one of PA's all time best programs.
Henderson Virtual 3200m - www.RunSignUp.com/Hen32
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/SzDgm_GVvaE
003 - Timothy Marcoe
In this episode of A Run On Culture we talk with Timothy Marcoe, the head coach at Owen J. Roberts High School. In a short time as head coach, Tim has put together an impressive program. Both his boys and girls teams made it to the Pennsylvania State Cross Country Championships in 2019 led by young up and coming runners. Freshmen Claire Zubey went on to finish 5th at the PTFCA Indoor State Championships Mile in an impressive 5:05.42. Coach Marcoe discusses how athletes like Liam Conway (2018 Indoor Mile State Champ - 4:15) helped pave the way for future success and how that might help guide him in developing young stars like Zubey and Damiani. We also discuss the importance a steadfast dedication and passion that a coach needs to bring everyday.
A Run On Culture Podcast is designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success.
In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/dYHy_EuawTs
002 - Reagan and Lauren Flannery
Reagan and Lauren Flannery are high school seniors at Downingtown West in Pennsylvania. Both girls were part of the District 1 AAA Championship team in Cross Country. Reagan went on to earn a 6th place medal in the Mile (5:06.04), while Lauren ran the 1200m lead-off leg (3:47) in the Distance Medley Relay which placed 5th at this year's PTFCA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Reagan and Lauren share their insights into what has helped them succeed in high school including insights into why culture was an important piece of that success.
The Run Culture Podcast is a podcast designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/vw3mxhTSTJw
001 - John Ramagano
In our first episode of the Run Culture Podcast I interview Kennett High School (PA) Head Coach John Ramagano to learn the secrets that have made him a successful coach. The Run Culture Podcast is a podcast designed to learn from dedicated local runners and coaches to discover the secrets behind their culture of success. In future episodes we'll interview local high school runners, coaches and community runners. The Run Culture Podcast is a new side project put together by Scott Burns the head coach at Downingtown West High School.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/2kT6LA9pG9Q