Coach's
Philosophy
Athletes
The
success of student-athletes will come through preparation, attitude
and effort. Preparation through consistent and proper training,
as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, will result in developing
physically as an athlete. Becoming a better athlete is not simply
a result of physical training. Working hard and staying focused
is a choice, made with a positive attitude, to strive for excellence
in all areas of one’s life. Approaching the program in this
way an athlete will feel confident and well prepared. With the
combination of the preparation and attitude, a wholehearted effort
is the final ingredient to success.
Coach
The
coach(es) of the Mount Mercy programs make contributions that
will challenge student-athletes to be successful in life. These
contributions ultimately lead to development in several different
areas. Physical development through structured periodization is
a large factor in our athletes’ progress. It is the responsibility
of the coach(es) to challenge athletes physically in order to
fulfill their potential. This is accomplished through strategic
planning of workouts, teaching proper techniques and individualized
attention given to the athletes. Psychological development of
athletes is also contributed by the coach(es). Educating athletes
on the sport by teaching proper progressions and techniques results
in greater confidence and lessened anxiety at the time of competition.
Goal-setting is also used to aid athletes in visualizing their
success. What may be the most important of the coach(es) contributions
is aiding in development of social awareness in the athlete. Through
positive experiences and spiritual guidance, athletes develop
life skills they will use in everyday life. Coach(es) do this
by challenging athletes to be involved with the team, other activities
and events.
Parents/Alumni
A
vital part of our programs’ success comes from the involvement
of parents and alumni. Parents are critical to athletes, often
supplying moral and financial support. Parents are the support
these student-athletes need to be their best in the classroom
and in competition. The athletes and coach(es) enjoy the support
in the stands. It is the alumni’s duty to stay active in
the program long after leaving Mount Mercy College. Your experience,
support and assistance are essential ingredients for this program.
Stay involved by sharing these things with the current and future
athletes. You may also do this by coming to practice, showing
up on race day and volunteering at home events. By doing this,
alumni in particular can share their positive and affirming experiences
with athletes for years to come.
Tradition
and Success
We
strive every day to continue a tradition of hard working, dedicated
student athletes, whose relationships to each other form a close
family. A bond has been made when athletes join the Mustang cross
country and track & field teams. The time you put in, the
sweat and tears, the laughs and sorrows will develop lasting relationships
and enduring traditions. We build on that tradition with the commitment
and continuing success of the athletes, coaches, parents and alumni.
It is this tradition that continues to support current teams and
future athletes.
