Top 10 Reasons Why Lamorinda is
So Strong in Cross Country

NCS Section - by Carol Penskar

A week or so back we received a note on the placement of the "Lamorinda" area teams in the NCS Division III finals on the Girls' side.  After a search on the internet we figured out that the area names of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda were blended together into the area name that is known as Lamorinda.  The schools in this area have a great reputation in all areas of academics and athletics, and so we asked Carol to put down some of the ideas why she felt that the Cross-Country programs in particular in the area were so successful. 

What followed are her reasons, which are listed below.  It is an interesting compilation, with, as she mentions, the first nine having to do with the "people" side of the sport. 

Thanks Carol--
Doug Speck
DyeStatCal.com

Doug, it’s all about the people and the support.  That’s what makes a program great.  Here are the reasons – and the top 9 involve people! 

Top 10 Reasons Why Lamorinda is So Strong in Cross Country

1.      Coaches who really support and care about the runners – all of the runners, as athletes and as people!

2.      Coaches who love what they do and emanate enthusiasm.

3.      Coaches who are positive role models and deliver consistent messages regarding substance abuse.

4.      Coaches who are also teachers on campus (allowing further connections with the kids in their classrooms.)

5.      Coaches who are flexible with runners who also do other sports (soccer, tennis, swimming, etc.).

6.      Supportive parents – hosting social events and turning out for meets.

7.      Community support for high school athletics (e.g., all the high schools have nice tracks, paid for by voter-supported bond issues).

8.      The runner group is generally a wholesome bunch, which attracts other kids and parent approval.

9.      By policy, cross country is a no – cut sport.  (Sometimes that shy hesitant kid turns out to be a natural runner.)

10.   Lamorinda is a great place to run.  (Many great places to run. Excellent running weather.)