DyeStatCal California Boys Coach of the Week 10/13-10/17/02 - Don Burnette (Orange HS) - SS

Don Burnette - EC Slick photo

One program that has steadily risen in the last few years to the top of the State Rankings at their level is Orange HS. In a terribly competitive area it is tough to keep your head above water, with certain programs traditionally big winners. It is interesting to see a new program achieving success on the block, with the Orange group proving themselves again and again already this Fall. There are a ton of good squads statewide that will be competitive down the road this season, but we have a sense that Orange HS will be high on the victory platforms. Like so many great people that are a part of our sport Don Burnette, our DyeStatCal Boys Coach of the Week is very open with his program below, describing in some detail workouts and giving some of the information on the formula that has led to his team's success.

Congrats Don - Continued Best of Luck - Doug Speck - DyeStatCal

1. Briefly describe the successes of your program this season and in recent years.

The 2002 team returns all 7 runners from the ’01 team along with the addition of an impact runner who missed last season due to ineligibility which finished 3rd in CIF and 8th at State last fall. The Panthers started the season by winning the Laguna Hills Invitational and traveling to Hawaii for a second place finish at the Iolani Invitational. Currently, in the Golden West League all three boys’ teams (Varsity. JV, Frosh/Soph) are 5-0. Next on tap for the Orange Panthers is the Orange County Championships on Saturday October 19th.

Recent Years (1992 – 2001):
Team
Top Ten Finishes - State Meet: 1995, 2001
Top Ten Finishes – CIF: 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001
Top Ten Finishes – Orange County: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001
League Champions (Century League) – 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001
Individuals
Jamie Martinez – 1992 & 1993 Footlocker Finalist
Nick Russell – 1996 2nd Division II CIF

2. How has the season gone generally compared to what you hoped coming into this season?

The current season has gotten off to quite a good start for the Orange Panthers, although all the BIG meets are just around the corner. With the end of the season only 6 ½ weeks away we hope to continue to show signs of improvement each week.

3. What are the general reasons for the improved quality of your program in recent years?

Since 1993 we have developed a year around commitment to running and improving. Consistency is key to developing young talent.

4. How have you secured talented athletes with the pull of athletes to so many different sports at the high school level?

I have found that once athletes are exposed to running and the team concept of running, Cross Country often times will become the athlete’s favorite sport. We build a team atmosphere in which athletes can see both their team and themselves improve at rapid levels.

5. In such a competitive area as Orange County, how did you work on the mental abilities of your teams to compete with those who in the past traditionally may have beaten you?

I believe in the team concept. This starts with teaching accountability amongst the team members. The comradery of a team will lead to both better team work and team focus on team goals. I try to teach my teams to not only race smart but work out smart as well.

6. What are the general philosophies that surround your training program?

A) Quality over Quantity
B) Center training around the important meets on the schedule
C) Year around running – major improvement can come from off season training

7. How much running did your team do this summer?

Our top runners trained at 50 to 60 miles a week. I have found that many runners have a breaking point at the training level of 60 plus miles a week and when you go higher you risk injuries and burn out.

8. What will this week’s workouts be like?

Monday – warm-up 10 minutes, stretch and strides, mile-mile-800-800, cool down 10 minutes @ Irvine Park
Tuesday – 8 1/2 miles
Wednesday – Fartlek (7 miles)
Thursday – 6 miles
Friday – Pre-Meet (4 Miles & build ups)
Saturday – Orange County Championships

9. What advice would you have for rookie coaches to the sport of Cross Country at the high school level?

Be consistent and establish a commitment to year around training program as well as to team and individual goals. Encourage all runners at all levels to improve as different runners improve at different times of their careers. Build a team atmosphere with quality leadership from your varsity trainers. Lastly, MAKE IT FUN!

DyeStatCal News

is published by

Editor: Doug Speck
Publisher: John Dye

�2002 by DyeStat