By Blake Chadwick
El Dorado cross country head coach Patrick Todd is in his second year as the head coach of his alma mater.
Todd ran track and cross country back during his time as a Wildcat.
“I ran track and cross country at El Dorado back in the Stone Age and saw that the head coaching position opened up last year,” Todd said. “I have a background in coaching swimmers, runners and triathletes of all ages, but always wanted to come back to my alma mater and assist with the cross country team. I have a passion for the sport and wanted to share my joy of running with the kids.”
After a tougher year in his first season, the Wildcats runners have a new swagger about them.
“We have confidence as a team this year, which was lacking last year,” Todd said. “I believe they have accomplished far more than they expected at this point last season, and still have the opportunity for some standout performances in the coming weeks.”
The Wildcats are led by seniors Peyton Heilman, Michael Dillner, Thomas Dillner, John Deatrick and junior Brody Todd who have all made a big jump this season.
The team has put in a lot of work outside and in the gym working but thanks to the culture Todd is instilling, the Wildcats will continue to trend in the right direction.
“I believe in team building and solution-focused coaching,” Todd said. “If we have a problem, how do we fix it? If you have a time goal, how are you going to achieve it? I want to know what individuals and the team expect to accomplish at the end of the season. Without goals and solutions, it’s difficult to determine success. I also think team building is extremely important in sports like cross country. The team can’t succeed without every individual supporting each other and aspiring to a common goal.”
