High School Cross Country Coaching

Looking to evolve your cross country coaching and discover new strategies for success? The HowExpert Guide to Cross Country Coaching is designed for coaches at all levels, from beginners to experienced leaders.

Authored by Kyle Daubs, a young and dynamic coach, this course offers a fresh perspective on building a competitive cross country program. Kyle brings five years of hands-on cross country coaching experience, combined with a strong academic background. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education and has four years of experience teaching special education.

In 2016, Kyle spearheaded the creation of a successful cross country cooperative program uniting Lowpoint-Washburn-Roanoke-Benson schools. Within four years, both the boys' and girls' teams consistently achieved top rankings in their conference. Notably, he guided the girls' team to a conference championship in his second year and to the IHSA Sectional meet.

Beyond cross country, Kyle has also been coaching track since 2015, successfully sending 22 athletes to state competition. His athletes have earned recognition, including three all-state relays and three all-state individuals. Kyle emphasizes building sustainable competitiveness, even within smaller school settings.

This comprehensive course is ideal for:

• First-time cross country coaches seeking a solid foundation.
• Experienced coaches looking to refresh their approach and learn new techniques.

The course is structured into seven key chapters covering essential coaching aspects:

• Coaching Philosophy: Develop a clear and effective coaching approach.
• Keys to Motivation: Learn strategies to inspire and motivate your athletes.
• Planning: Master effective training and race day strategies.
• Improving Race Performance: Techniques to enhance individual and team performance.
• Preparing for Competition: Optimizing athletes for peak performance.
• Reflection: Analyzing progress and adapting your coaching methods.
• Behind-the-Scenes Management: Effective communication with parents, media, other coaches, and school administration.

You'll also find practical training plans suitable for runners of all abilities, from beginners to advanced athletes.

About the Expert: Kyle Daubs

Kyle Daubs is a 2011 graduate of Charleston High School and a 2015 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, holding a degree in special education. His dedication to athlete development is evident in his coaching career. Since 2015, he has consistently produced successful athletes, including those recognized as all-state performers. His experience building a successful cooperative program demonstrates his ability to foster a winning environment. If you're seeking a complete guide to coaching cross country, this course is an invaluable resource.