Cross Country Q&A with Coaches Driscoll and Pontrelli
by Mariah B.
by Mariah B.
Recently I interviewed two of our Cross Country coaches, Coach Pontrelli and Coach Driscoll, and this is what they had to say…
Question 1. Reflect on the season. Did you enjoy coaching this group of runners?
Driscoll: Yes, they were very energetic throughout the season, which was great!
Pontrelli: We had a lot of people who really enjoyed it so it was enjoyable to coach.
Question 2. How would you describe the season in two words?
Driscoll: Light-hearted & Dominant.
Pontrelli: Awesome and successful.
Question 3. How was the ride to state? Was there any memories you look back and laugh about?
Driscoll: Nerve Racking, and smelly.
Pontrelli: Pure silence in my own car there and the way back.
Question 4. How was the sectional experience?
Driscoll: The most proud i've ever been. EVER.
Pontrelli: Very nervous and hopeful.
Question 5. Were you happy about the boys performances at sectionals? Was there anything to improve on?
Driscoll: Yes, I was happy. Anytime runners give 100% I’m a happy camper. Yes, practicing, health, and nutrition.
Pontrelli: Yes I was happy with our performance. I still think if everyone paced themselves properly they could have made it to state.
Question 6. What do you think the boys could have done better to get those last few points for their 6th chain?
Driscoll: Nothing. They got beat and that’s okay. They’ll win another time.
Pontrelli: McClure wanted it more than we did.
Question 7. How did you feel when you found out the girls got 3rd at sectionals?
Driscoll: Like a proud mother.
Pontrelli: Couldn’t believe it. Had no idea. Was upset because I didn't think we had given it our all, and I didn’t think it was enough. Was very excited.
Question 8. What do you think led to the Girls Conference Championship?
Driscoll: Chemistry, selflessness, and fun!
Pontrelli: Group of very strong distance runners who wanted to get better. Their effort and enthusiasm for distance running was contagious. They just plained wanted it. They listened and took it seriously.
Question 9. What do you think you will do differently next year?
Driscoll: Nothing.
Pontrelli: Up the milage. Extend practice for my group.
Driscoll: Yes, they were very energetic throughout the season, which was great!
Pontrelli: We had a lot of people who really enjoyed it so it was enjoyable to coach.
Question 2. How would you describe the season in two words?
Driscoll: Light-hearted & Dominant.
Pontrelli: Awesome and successful.
Question 3. How was the ride to state? Was there any memories you look back and laugh about?
Driscoll: Nerve Racking, and smelly.
Pontrelli: Pure silence in my own car there and the way back.
Question 4. How was the sectional experience?
Driscoll: The most proud i've ever been. EVER.
Pontrelli: Very nervous and hopeful.
Question 5. Were you happy about the boys performances at sectionals? Was there anything to improve on?
Driscoll: Yes, I was happy. Anytime runners give 100% I’m a happy camper. Yes, practicing, health, and nutrition.
Pontrelli: Yes I was happy with our performance. I still think if everyone paced themselves properly they could have made it to state.
Question 6. What do you think the boys could have done better to get those last few points for their 6th chain?
Driscoll: Nothing. They got beat and that’s okay. They’ll win another time.
Pontrelli: McClure wanted it more than we did.
Question 7. How did you feel when you found out the girls got 3rd at sectionals?
Driscoll: Like a proud mother.
Pontrelli: Couldn’t believe it. Had no idea. Was upset because I didn't think we had given it our all, and I didn’t think it was enough. Was very excited.
Question 8. What do you think led to the Girls Conference Championship?
Driscoll: Chemistry, selflessness, and fun!
Pontrelli: Group of very strong distance runners who wanted to get better. Their effort and enthusiasm for distance running was contagious. They just plained wanted it. They listened and took it seriously.
Question 9. What do you think you will do differently next year?
Driscoll: Nothing.
Pontrelli: Up the milage. Extend practice for my group.