Tag Archive for: cross country meets

LOWELLVILLE CROSS COUNTRY COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ERIC GROW

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH- This week on YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” Eric Hughes sat down with Lowellville’s dedicated Cross Country Coach, Eric Grow, who opened up about his journey, challenges, and sources of inspiration as he heads into his fifth year of coaching.

Grow, who began his coaching career in football, made the transition to cross country when Lowellville found themselves in need of a coach. “I had some running background, so I just filled the shoes,” he recalls.

Recruiting for the team presents a unique challenge in a school with a graduating class of just 31 students. “The amount of kids that we have to even try to recruit is very tiny,” Grow notes. Despite these limitations, he’s driven by his passion for making an impact on the students. “My favorite part of coaching is just seeing the impact I can make on the kids and hopefully see them grow,” he shared.

A highlight from Grow’s tenure as coach came when his team nearly made it to regionals for the first time in Lowellville’s history. Unfortunately, a tie for fourth place meant they didn’t advance, but the experience remains a powerful memory.

Among his team members, Grow speaks highly of leaders like Kenzie McCornick and Nathan Yon. Not only does Kenzie bring positivity and support to her fellow runners, but Nathan’s dedication — even balancing golf with his running training — sets a strong example for others.

Grow also emphasizes the mental aspect of running. “It’s definitely a mental sport… It’s hard to teach that. So, luckily, I have a lot of kids that are, you know, pretty well with that.”

Citing his own high school coach, Stephanie Yon, as a major influence, Grow acknowledges her critical role in guiding him into his coaching career. “She was a great role model as a coach. I wouldn’t be here without her,” he said.

His commitment to Lowellville runs deep, as an alumnus and community member. “My whole goal was to come back and teach and coach and try to continue to make this community grow,” Grow reflected.

With the season underway, Coach Grow remains focused on maintaining a positive atmosphere and encouraging his runners to “win that mental battle every day.” His dedication promises to inspire not only his athletes but the entire Lowellville community.

PRESENTED BY

WARREN JFK CROSSS COUNTRY COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JILL PHILLIPS

/in /by

WARREN, OH-  The corridors of Warren JFK High School echo with the triumphant strides of its burgeoning cross country team, thanks to the relentless efforts and nurturing guidance of head coach Jill Phillips. Taking over a nearly dormant program four years ago, Phillips has steadily transformed it from a team of just one boy and one girl to a thriving group of dedicated athletes.

“It’s been an incredible journey. We now have a full varsity girls team and three varsity boys, with more talents rising from junior high,” Phillips shared in a recent episode of “YSN Coach’s Corner” hosted by DJ Yokley.

Phillips, a Kennedy alum herself, is no stranger to the highs and lows of athletics. After tearing her ACL in high school, she developed a passion for running during her recovery, setting her on a path that would ultimately lead her back to JFK—this time as a coach. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the power of resilience and dedication.

Despite the challenges of recruiting in a small school environment packed with competing sporting disciplines, Phillips has managed to build a team united not just by their love of running, but by a shared commitment to growth and mutual encouragement. “You don’t join cross country to be with your buddies. These kids just love to run,” she said.

Known for her constant positivity and encouragement, Coach Phillips fosters a supportive environment where even shaving a single second off one’s best time is celebrated as a victory. “Everything that they do that’s just a little bit better than the day before is success,” she emphasized.

Phillips is especially glowing when she speaks of her “OGs,” seniors, who joined the team without prior experience and have now become the pillars of the program through their unwavering dedication and leadership.

Beyond her role as a coach, Phillips is deeply woven into the fabric of the JFK community, balancing her responsibilities with the support of a loving family that shares her commitment to the school. “This is my home and it always will be,” she affirmed.

Under her guidance, the future looks bright for the Warren JFK cross country program, a beacon of what passion, positivity, and perseverance can achieve.

PRESENTED BY

BE-YON-D BELIEF

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH-  Nathan Yon, a junior at Lowellville High School, is proving that versatility and dedication can pave the way to success in multiple sports. As a key player for both the cross country and golf teams, Nathan’s ability to juggle intense physical and mental demands has impressed his peers and coaches alike.

In a recent podcast interview on YSN, hosted by DN Yokley, Nathan shared insights into his impressive athletic journey. “Running is my big thing,” Nathan admitted, highlighting his preference and stronger commitment to cross country. However, he also finds joy and relaxation on the golf course, citing it as the “fun part” of his athletic endeavors.

Nathan’s prowess in cross country is undeniable. Achieving first and second place in his last two meets, his competitive spirit and strategic approach to races have set him apart. “The start is really important,” Nathan explained, shedding light on the less-visible shoving and jostling that happens in the early stages of a race. His ability to maintain a consistent pace through the first two miles and then push through the final stretch demonstrates both his physical endurance and mental fortitude.

When not running or teeing off, Nathan maintains a balanced life, emphasizing the importance of family. He credits his mother as his biggest role model, citing her dedication and excellence in all she does. His family’s support has been instrumental, with his sister initially paving the way for him in running and his brother serving as his “built-in best friend.”

Looking ahead, Nathan harbors ambitions beyond high school sports. He is contemplating a future in math-related fields, possibly engineering, but if given the chance, he humorously admits he would “just play golf all day.”

Nathan Yon’s story is a testament to the importance of balancing passion and skill across different areas. His dedication to cross country and golf, coupled with a supportive family and clear goals for the future, makes him a remarkable figure in Lowellville’s athletic community.

PRESENTED BY