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<strong>A closer look at the people behind the magic...</strong></p>
Deb Hellman has been coaching St. Mary's cross country for several years, and took the reins of St. Mary's track and field this spring. Contributed photo.
I know we're just barely into the season, but what are your first thoughts on taking over for someone who was something of a legend in his own time?
There is absolutely no way that anyone can take over for the legendary Ed Latimer. I can only hope that I have learned from him in such a fashion that I can carry on the program that he has established, and that I can do it effectively. I am probably one of the luckiest newer coaches in Colorado to have mentored with such an experienced and talented professional. Ed had a way to make every student athlete feel valued and respected, and that is what I strive to do on a daily basis. He has a wealth of knowledge of the sport, and, fortunately for me, is never too far away to ask for advice and for direction. I have very dedicated and talented assistants, too, so we are all hoping that the transition will go smoothly. And, I was fortunate enough to get Ed to delay his retirement by several years, which obviously allowed me more learning opportunities. Ed Latimer is a class act, and St. Mary's has been blessed to have had him touch every aspect of our athletic programs.
Unlike a lot of coaches around the state, you don't have your fingers in the classroom. You did, however, recently leave a job to work a little closer to track and field. Tell us a little about what you do in your day job.
Thank you for asking!! Actually, the fortuitous pathway that I have taken to work with Muscle Activation Techniques started about five years ago when I attended a lecture that Juli Benson did for the coaching community. You were also a speaker, and mentioned that your team used MAT to keep your athletes performing at their top levels. I tried the process myself, and was immediately impressed. I went through the MAT internship program, and received my certification in early 2012. I made the full-time switch to developing my private practice in January of 2013, and have not looked back. The MAT approach to biomechanics and range of motion is a perfect adjunct to my coaching both cross country and track, and allows me to be a better resource for my athletes.
Your daughter is currently in the middle of a nice career at Villanova. Did you run competitively back in the day?
Sydney has had a wonderful experience at Villanova, both athletically and academically. She is a Junior, but, because of several red shirt seasons as a result of injuries, she still will have eligibility for a fifth year, which she plans to complete at Villanova. She is fortunate to have inherited her dad's tremendous athletic ability as well as his legs -- a blessing for her considering my genetic contribution! I was always active and always outdoors, but spent more time swimming and cycling as a student. After graduation, I did participate in century and half century rides in Tucson, where I lived, but always as a middle of the pack finisher. Having been told never to run after bilateral knee surgeries at age 20, I always looked to other sports. Once I was able to really build up my overall quad and core strength, I evolved from walking to race walking, and then to running, which I am now doing on a daily basis.
How long have you been at St. Mary's and how did you land the cross country job there in the first place?
That is a really funny story. I was looking for a coach for myself, and googled who might be available to coach me as a race walker in Colorado Springs. I called Ed Latimer, as his was the first name I found, having absolutely no idea who he was. He connected me with a coach whom he later hired to coach cross country at St. Mary's. Because I had been working with Randy Pasko at the time, Randy and Ed asked me to be an assistant for cross country. That was the first year that my twins Zoe and Sydney were at St. Mary's, so the timing was great. They helped me get in to the Level I program with USATF, which was then followed shortly thereafter with the Level II program. Mr. Pasko left mid season, and Ed asked me to take over the program. Again, a very fortuitous opportunity, and not one that comes along very often!
Go ahead, pick a highlight of your coaching career for us.
While I love to see our dedicated and committed athletes get invited to join a Division I program, the highlight of coaching for me is to create a passion for running in someone who may have never considered themselves a runner, and to show the students how they can practice a healthy and active lifestyle while maintaining a strong academic focus. I think that my greatest satisfaction is in helping others reach their active potential.
What are your thoughts on the new 7/5 scoring model for 3A cross country now that it will be in place for next year?
While this will allow the top echelon to compete, it does hurt the smaller schools like ours. It was inevitable, of course, as an evolution of the sport here in Colorado.