Oracle Online

The coach takes little credit for the work his team has put in. He admits to encouraging them to work hard and wanting them to keep on track, as any coach would, but makes it very clear that it is the members of the team, as individuals, who make the difference. Once they leave school, he says, it’s up to them to put
in the necessary work.

Six or seven members of Schmaedeke’s team have logged around 1,000 miles this summer.

The team lost two runners from last season, and returned thirteen, along with five new first year students.
Schmaedeke expressed displeasure with losing two experienced runners, but conceded that they had to do what they felt was right for their college careers.

“Every team has its own personality,” said Schmaedeke. “Any time you lose upperclassmen, it hurts, but you have to move on.”

Schmaedeke plans to make sure that his team does indeed move on. With the talent, and more importantly, the experience of this veteran team, Schmaedeke knows how urgent it is for his men to keep their eyes on the prize. Any lapse at this point would lead to a mediocre season. This and injury are Schmaedeke’s two biggest fears for this team.

“Runners need to live the best lifestyle that they can,” said Schmaedeke.

“Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can only complement good training.”

Because of their preparation and cohesiveness, Schmaedeke doesn’t believe the loss of these two upperclassmen will define the team. He believes that his current veteran runners realize their role and are willing to teach. Likewise, Schmaedeke said, the new recruits know that their role on the team is to learn, and to figure out the “Hamline” way of doing things, a task that he believes takes at least a full year. Such transitions are not always easy, but Schmaedeke believes his first-years will continue to blend well with the rest of the team.

The idea of team roles, and of running as a team is one that Schmaedeke puts heavy emphasis on at practices. Schmaedeke expects his runners to perform to their highest ability when in practice, and makes sure that they push one another.

“There’s always competition on a team, and everyone wants to be in that top seven [group of runners], but more importantly, everybody needs to find a way to help the team,” said Schmaedeke.

If everyone on the team can find their niche, and everyone can stay healthy, Schmaedeke believes his team will be able to succeed at the end of the season. That, he says, is always the goal: to be the best team they can be at the end of the year.

“Athletes and coaches need to make good decisions about training and about daily life,” said Schmaedeke.

“That’s what’s going to determine who’s successful and who’s not at the end of the season.”