New cross country coaches blaze trail to promised land

Throughout the season we have heard about Oberlin's cross-country teams and their strong determination, positive attitudes and great performances. We've heard about meets from runners and coaches alike, felt the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory and truly tried to understand why it is cross-country runners run. However, we have never really gotten to know the men behind the team, men's coach Mike Muska and women's coach Roger Laushman. Intern Gavin O'Neal is an assistant with both teams, but primarily works with the men's team. It is these three men who pull the teams together, motivate the runners and offer guidance in many aspects of running and life.

Men's cross-country Head Coach Mike Muska brings experience and dedication. Muska has coached college-level athletics at University of Massachusetts, Cornell University, Auburn University in Alabama, Northwestern University and Brown University. He has been named a Big Ten Coach and has twice been the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year. He is now the Athletic Director of Oberlin College, as well as being a coach.

"I think the coaches did a great job, and they've helped make the season a lot of fun," said sophomore Hans Petersen.

On top of his duties as Athletic Director, Muska motivates the men's cross-country team and helps them to prepare for upcoming races.

"He helps us focus before the races," said junior Daniel Schwartz.

"I think it is important as athletic director to stay in touch with student-athletes in our program, and there is no better way than coaching. It helps me understand the daily obstacles and hurdles they encounter," said Muska.

Muska ran cross-country as a high school student, but an injury during his first year in college forced him to turn to coaching. Next year we may see him back on the course with the cross-country team, but his commitments as Athletic Director may make that goal impractical.

"I hope I'll stay with it next year, as it has been fun, but I'm very pleased with Roger's work with the women and Gavin with the men. I hope time allows me to continue. There have been times when my AD duties have interfered," said Muska.

Gavin O'Neal is the assistant coach for both the men's and women's cross-country team. He graduated from Ohio University last year before coming to work at Oberlin. O'Neal has been running cross-country since junior high. He ran varsity cross-country at Ohio U. and was sixth at All-Conference his junior year. He brings a fresh attitude, recent memories of the runner's perspective and, of course, a love of cross-country to the men's team.

"Gavin's worked with me on running style and race strategy. He's given me a lot of individual atten tion," said Schwartz.

O'Neal's recent experience in being a college cross-country runner gives his coaching attitudes a unique twist.

"I'm close in age, so sometimes it's hard to stay professional," said O'Neal. "But working in the athletic department has really helped me recognize the other side to a college cross-country team."

While O'Neal's age may sometimes make it difficult to stay professional, it can also serve to strengthen the link between runners and coach.

"I can't wait to smear Gavin in our post-season football game," said Petersen.

Luckily, the Yeorunners will benefit from O'Neal's dedication - the intern will return for another year. However, after that it's off to graduate school for a master's in sports administration.

"I love coaching. I definitely think it's the way for me to go," said O'Neal.

Women's Head Coach Roger Laushman has long been a fan of cross-country running. Although he has been involved with the women's cross-country team in years past, this is his first year coaching in an 'official' capacity. However, his lack of official experience is hardly an indicator of what he is capable of when he works with the cross-country team.

"He is so wonderful. He cares so much about the team and he doesn't put too much pressure on us. He listens to us, he is easy to talk to, he is always looking out for our best interests, he is so understanding and he believes in us. He's the best coach I've ever had," said first-year Jaimee Ramsden.

Ramsden's words express sentiments felt by many members of the team, and it seems clear that Laushman's enthusiastic love of the sport has resulted in the team's enthusiastic love for him.

"He is just a great guy," said junior Jenni Huelsman.

On top of being a nice coach, Laushman is also a knowledgeable one.

"One thing that I like a lot is that he can always explain why we are doing what we are doing from a physiological standpoint. It's not just like throwing caution to the wind with him, he always has a plan and a goal in mind," said Huelsman.

It is true that Laushman is thorough in quantifying the sport of cross-country. He is quick to make sure that the team understands its goals and the methods the runners will use to reach them. Laushman is also ready to clarify the essence of cross-country for anyone who doesn't run him or herself.

"Many people think of running as being pretty simple - left foot, right foot, repeat - but the challenges of cross-country racing requires tremendous focus and self-control. 250 runners might line up at the start, and only one will win the individual title, but we want each runner to have the positive experience of improvement and meeting a goal," said Laushman.

And for all the fans of Laushman's coaching techniques and overall personality, next year brings good news. "I will coach again next year. As long as I can contribute to the program and work together with the runners, I'll be happy to keep coaching," he said.

Although it may seem that cross-country season is over, there is still one challenge to be faced at NCAA Regionals at Ohio Northern on Saturday, Nov. 13. Both teams look to round out the season with a final showing of strength and attitude that will carry over into next year.