Coach Marc Ware (Cypress) talks about his program - one of the State's most improved over the last couple of years

One of the more improved programs in the Southern Section this year, prominent in the rankings on both the Boys and Girls side, is Cypress HS, not exactly a household name in prep distance running circles in previous times. We had a chance to ask Coach Marc Ware some questions about his program, with the operation raised by the bootstraps in the last couple of years in the very competitive Orange County area to one of statewide significance. Situations like this do not happen by accident, with Marc’s answers below lending some background to one of the State’s most improved teams!! –
Congrats to Marc and the Team – Continued best luck – Doug Speck - DyeStatCal

1) What are the broad main reasons for the rise in success-level of the Cypress HS program in the midst of the very tough and competitive Orange County area?

1. I was invited by the track coach 6/99. Prior to that no one was concerned with distance running at Cypress. Jon Eyman became track coach the year prior and wanted to win.

2) What part of the change in level of success has come from the athlete/student who are currently a part of the program?

2. The Boys program carries 3 key seniors who have run with me since summer of their frosh year. (99) The Girls are a mix of my originals (99) and some frosh/soph talent. 01 and 02 girls helped with the continuing growth.

3) What have you worked on mentally to have your athletes believe that they can compete with schools who may have traditionally been the winners when the meets were held against your team?

3. Nothing much mental. Just an awareness of their strength through their training. Becoming everyday runners, they began to recognize they could compete just as well as anyone else

4) How has your approach to the sport changed over the last few years?

4. None at all.

5) What advice would you have for beginning cross-country coaches?

5. Come every day, be passionate about Cross Country, insist they come too, make distance running their lives.

Marc Ware

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