| DyeStatCal Coach of the Week - 10/20-24 - Yuri Shallan (Oakmont, Roseville) - Sac Joaquin Section |
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DyeStatCal California Coach of the Week 10/13-10/17/02 - Yuri Shallan (Oakmont, Roseville) - Sac Joaquin Section
Oakmont group and Coach - left to right. Zack Connaughton, Dan Napieralski, Erik Arreygue, Mike Wells, Kevin Newton, Jason Prado, Coach Yuri Shallan It is always kind of neat when a new quality team appears on the radar, with the success this Fall of Oakmont HS in Roseville appearing to be that of a solid group that has undergone some good preparation. Over the last few years we came to know Yuri Shallan of the Sac Joaquin area through communications with the fine Long Jumper he worked with (mentioned below), Jimia White (Casa Roble HS in Orangevale). It turns out that Yuri was now the coach at Oakmont and his group was doing a super job from early in the year. We have had more than a few people from his area nominate he as a Coach of the Week, commenting on more than his athletes' abilities out on the course, but the team demeanor and approach the Caoch Shallan takes with all those around him, opponent and his team members alike. It is one reason we went with two coaches this week who predominantly have had fall successes with male athletes. Next week we will honor two coaches who have had a bit more success on the female side of the sport. Like so many great people in our sport, Yuri is open and sharing about his program, and his route to success with his team appearing a blue print for those coaches new to a situation Congrats - Best of continued luck Yuri - Doug Speck - DyeStatCal 1) Briefly describe your successes in cross-country as a coach at Oakmont and other situations you have been in-- I think I have done pretty well inmy brief stint at Oakmont. Though I have been coaching for the past thirteen years, this is only my second year as a cross country coach. But I honestly believe the success belongs to the boys. When I began last season we only had a team of 12(boys & girls). On the first day of practice I was told by one of the runners, “we aren’t very good.” However, it didn’t take long for the boys to buy into my philosophy. They began to work hard day in and day out. Slowly they began to realize that with a some hard work and dedication a lot could be accomplished. They became a team. Without any summer training they were Section Runner-up ( a two point loss to RiverBank), and ended up placing 10th at the State Meet DIV, and avenging that two point loss. 2) Describe your personal career as an athlete and coach that led you to Oakmont HS-- Funnything is I was a football player in high school, and track was second(mainly concentrating on the high jump). I was offered a full ride scholarship to the University of Washington as a wide receiver. I turned down the scholarship for personal reasons. The decision was a difficult one since I had been playing since fifth grade. A three sport athlete in high school, I excelled, but was plagued by a stress fracture in my leg and torn ligaments in my ankle my Sr. year. It wasn’t until college that I decided to run cross country. I ran at American River College, long after high school, to stay in shape. AR ended up being a great experience for me. I ended up the 5th man on a team that went to state. Coaching, however, is something I got into right after high school,and have enjoyed every moment since. I had been competing on some level since fifth grade, from Pop-Warner to the Jesse Owens Games. Coaching helped me to see the passion I had had all my life. It gave me the opportunity to help others. It is the most gratifying thing in the world to do. My high school coach gave me the opportunity to coach the high jump, and he taught me everything he knew about the long and triple jump. If it weren’t for him I never would have got into coaching. I spent three seasons at Casa Roble were I had the honor of coaching Jimia White,one of the top long jumpers in the nation from 1999-2001 (19’5”PR). Jimia was third at the State Meet in 2000. I had to coach most of the running events as well. When the opportunity came along at Oakmont I grabbed it. But I haven’t given up my jumping roots. During the spring I turn to the jumps.There are a number of athletes I coach privately, and I also coach the high jumpers at American River College. I’ve been pretty successful with jumpers. Corrie Baer had great season last year and made it to the State Meet in the triple jump. Some people think that my combination of sports is strange. Not many people out there coach distance runners and jumpers.But I was a runner before I ever started jumping. I love doing both. Oakmont is a great environment. The athletes are great. I just hope I cancontinue to help them grow, and build a tradition of excellence. There isn’t anything I would rather be doing than coaching. 3) What would you describe as the couple biggest things you have learned about working with teenage distance runners over the years?
4) How is this year's team the same or different than recent groups that you have coached? This years team has the benefit of having summer training. They are focused and determined. Every single one of those guys put in the time necessary to be successful. They are the hardest working group that I have ever coached. 5) How much running did you ask your varsity team to do this summer? They put in 45- 50 miles a week during the summer. 6) Is the season going as planned or how have you had to adjust things in some way during the first month and a half of racing and training during the meet schedule? The season is going pretty much like Ryan and I planned. Ryan Nugent is the assistant coach. He is a great asset. We work pretty much side by side.During the spring he takes over as I go to the jumpers. It’s a great combination. We are always on the same page. The runners don’t see me at practice in the spring, but still get the benefit of both of us at meets.We expected the guys to go and run well at Stanford. That was a great victory for the boys. We have had to deal with some minor injuries, that have left us short a few times this season. The adjustment has been on an individual bases. If anything I just want to make sure they stay healthy.Things are going pretty well. We’ll know more on November 30th. 7) What do you think is your "core" workout during the cross-country season (Monday workout during a week when you are concentrating on a week of good training, not peaking near the end)--?
8) What advice would you have for a new Coach to the sport? My strength comes from God, and every day I thank Him for giving me the opportunity to work with a great bunch of athletes. So, find your strength. Once that is done, you first have to be willing to learn form others. Don’t get stuck in, “I’m always right.” I’ve been lucky enough to be around some great coaches ( Al Beta, John Ahern, Ernie Gomes, RickAnderson ). They have all taught me a lot about coaching. Each one of those men have their own style, butit works for them. You would be amazed at the knowledge you can get from talking with other coaches. There are a lot of resources out there, don’tbe afraid to use them. After that, find what works for you, but always stay open to change. The most important thing is to remember that it is about the athletes. We are nothing without them. All we can do is helpguide them. The success is theirs. They run the grueling workouts and putin the long hours. It’s about the athletes.
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Editor: Doug Speck �2002 by DyeStat |
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