At Shadow Ridge High School, there are several fun and hardworking sports, and one of those sports happens to be cross country.
Cross country is a team sport, they all compete running a certain distance scoring points based on their placement in the race. The top 5 runners’ scores count towards the final points for the team. The team with the lowest amount of points wins.
With all the success that cross country has had in the past years, Coach Flynn, the cross country coach, has decided to step down from his position.
Coach Flynn states, ¨Last year, I experienced significant personal losses with the passing of my stepdad, my father-in-law, and a good friend. These losses forced me to reassess my priorities and the time I devoted to the team.¨
Unfortunately, some things happen and can change a person’s life in seconds. However, this is not the only reason for his step down.
Coach Flynn also stated, ¨For 12 years, I put the team first, dedicating my summers to cross country. Summer training was always my favorite part of the season because it set the foundation for everything we achieved. I loved the commitment and the challenges it brought. But after 12 years, three state titles (two for the boys and one for the girls), and countless memories, I realized it was time to step back and give someone else the opportunity to lead this amazing program.¨
Although he has built a strong foundation, he built an even stronger bond between the students and other coaches.
Coach Flynn states, “Stepping down wasn’t an easy decision, and for years, I couldn’t imagine not coaching cross-country. Up until recently, I never even considered it. But life has a way of changing your perspective. This was an incredible run, but just like a cross-country race, you have to get to the finish at some point. And I can’t think of a better way to finish than this.¨
Many of the cross country students will miss him but they will forever remember him and all he has taught them to become a better runner and student all together.
Even though Coach Flynn will no longer be the cross country coach, he plans to continue to support the runners throughout the rest of his time at Shadow. Where he will continue to be a teacher, ultimately focusing more on his students.
Coach Flynn has made a huge impact on students, runners, fellow coaches and teachers, along with making the cross country experience unforgettable, but cross country has also made an impact on the Coach himself.
Coach Flynn states, “Running with the team every day has motivated me to constantly improve my own race times. Coaching has also allowed me to connect with some extraordinarily talented coaches and runners, giving me opportunities to learn and grow. Over the years, I’ve made some amazing friends—especially Coach Jimenez. After coaching together for the past nine years, I can’t imagine this journey without him.¨
