The Coach’s Corner is a new feature in which we interview a coach in the school once a week. The first one is on Mr. Darling, the coach for winter track and field for both boys and girls, as well as for the girls spring track and field team.
Q: Could you explain the process you use to prep for a meet?
A: . I take a look at last seasons meet with our opponent and start to create a lineup based on our strengths and weaknesses. I then discuss the lineup with our coaching staff to receive their view of the meet and possible alternatives as far as event placements for certain athletes. Once the lineup is set, I then hope that everyone stays healthy, makes it to school on time the day of the meet, and that everyone makes it to the bus on time.
Q: What was one of the toughest coaching decision you ever made and why?
A: One of the toughest coaching decisions I had to make was at the 2008 Hockomock Indoor Championships whether to put a sprinter named Jasmine Fitzgerald in the 55 meter hurdles or the 55 meter dash. We decided with the 55 meter dash and Jasmine who was seeded 10th won the event leading us to our first indoor Hockomock championship.
Q: What is the hardest part of coaching and why?
A: The hardest part of coaching track and field is always having to sell the sport to student-athletes. There isn’t a track youth program, most athletes try track for the first time during their high school careers. Our entire staff are teachers in the system who help with this process and it has led to successful participation.
Q: How do you/would you cut someone?
A: Fortunately there are no cuts in track and field.
Q: What made you want to become a coach?
A: When I was a student at Oliver Ames in the 1980’s I had coaches who became surrogate father’s to me. Jim Mitchell, Greg Chapman, Bill Nixon, were not only my coaches but they also were my classroom teachers. They were the ones that would encourage me but were also blatantly honest when I would screw up or failed and would show me the path to fix it. We didn’t have trainers and it was your coach who would have to learn how to tape ankles etc. Along with my dad, Principal Duncan Oliver and Athletic Director Val Muscato, I was and am very lucky to have these mentors who continued to encourage me beyond high school. They are why I became a teacher and coach. I am blessed to have a staff of coaches who also are deeply dedicated to the Oliver Ames community.