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Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Bringing International Experience back to Stillwater
St. Paul, MN
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Photo(s) By: Bryan Horwath
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Stillwater boys cross country and track coach Scott Christensen served as head coach for the United States Senior National Squad at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland at the end of March. In the 36-year history of the event, he is only the second coach chosen from the high school level. Christensen shares how he first got involved in USA Track and Field back in 1998.
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Being a championship level athlete is not about what you are given, but what you are willing to give up.
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VYPE: How did you get involved in the USATF?
Christensen: In 1998, I read about this new coaching education plan in the Track and Field News. I signed up for the Level 1 in Orlando that February and then proceeded through all the levels eventually becoming an instructor, then a Lead Instructor, and now Chairman of Endurance. It is, and should be, a life-long, career endeavor. The relationships you build with students and instructors at Level 2 and Level 3 are priceless.
VYPE: What are the biggest differences/challenges of coaching high school track/cross country versus coaching for the USATF?
Christensen: Coaching is coaching and every athlete benefits from having a coach. My athletes at Stillwater see me everyday their whole 4-year career and our relationship cannot be explained to people who do not coach. With USATF, you are more of a "leader" and the athletes are older and get advice from many people. On the trips, the leader/coach makes sure all the administrative work is done, workout times are set up and the athletes get to the race prepared, relaxed and determined. I do those things for my Stillwater boys as well, but so much more.
VYPE: How did you feel when you were named the head coach of the USATF
Senior Men's USA Cross Country Team?
Christensen: Thrilled! I had hoped it would come because I had led the Junior team at the same meet in Switzerland in 2003. That assignment was my proving ground and I felt that I had done the job well. I was really happy it was in Scotland... English speakers and traditional so there was less of a chance to mess things up!
VYPE: What is the most rewarding thing about being a track/cross country coach?
Christensen: The athlete meets the sport at the coach and that is my role. I do not want them to be my buddy or anything other then my athlete. My goal is for them to run fast and maybe have their dreams come true. Being a championship level athlete is not about what you are given, but what you are willing to give up. I try to convince the athletes of that every single day. It must be intrinsic and from the heart.
VYPE: Did you always want to be a track/cross country coach?
Christensen: Yes. I had a great cross-country and track coach in high school and another in college. They indeed got me where I am today. It is about working hard, very hard, and they taught me that.
VYPE: How has your experience coaching for USATF affected how you coach at the
high school level?
Christensen: The athletes I work with are very dedicated and focused people. They have their ego in check and are athletes that have cracked the performance code at the world level. I hope to bring some of that attitude to my Stillwater boys. There are many “wannabees” out there but these guys have done it.
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