The Long Run Historic team leaves behind legacy of commitment
T
rinity’s three-time state championship cross country team graduated a core group of runners in June. However, these athletes are leaving behind a roadmap to success forged by the students themselves, and nurtured by their coach, Marcus Jones ’00. “They have created an enduring culture of winning. It’s an inclusive culture, with no hierarchy, and great appreciation for all members,” Jones said. “And culture doesn’t graduate.”
Jake Wilkes ’13, Mac Strehler ’13 and Reider Strehler ’13 were part of all three championship teams, and helped shape the team. It all began after the state meet in 2009, where the team finished fourth. “We were disappointed,” said Jake Wilkes. “We were down on ourselves. We knew that next year, we’d still have the same guys. So we worked 8
SUMMER 2013
all summer.” Mac Strehler remembers that loss as pivotal. “The loss was almost as valuable as a win,” he said. “It taught us that a win doesn’t come easily.” Marcus Jones remembers how the team re-grouped. “I remember right after we lost in 2009, standing by the old tennis courts, talking to key returners, and listening to them talk about how they could do it. It felt different.” Under the leadership of Guy Shelby ’12 and Chris Cantone ’12, the team implemented a plan for victory. “Collectively they all committed to a grueling training regimen,” said Jones. “They decided that if they were going to lose, it wasn’t going to be because they didn’t work hard.” In the summer of 2010, they trained hard. “There were more group practices,” said Reider Strehler. “Chris and
Guy were always texting us to meet.” Jones remembers how much the runners changed. “They fell in love with the process of trying to win. It’s easy to show up for one day in November with a lot of passion, but they were able to bring that passion in the heat of July and on rainy days in August,” he said. “They were invested in the team goal and in each other.” The result? The team won the Prep League meet and uprooted Woodberry Forest School’s dynasty at a memorable meet. “It was easily the closest meet I’ve witnessed or been a part of,” said Jones. The Strehlers contributed more than their share to the drama of the moment. “Reider ran a really gutsy race after an injury,” said Jake Wilkes. “Mac was behind down the last straightaway, and then Mac leaned in and we won by one point.” The first
