Track and field is a sport unlike any other. It requires a combination of physical and mental strength that can easily be missed by the naked eye. It takes an exceptional individual who wants to run track or participate in a field event and a special group of coaches to work with them.
This year marks the fifth year at the helm of the program for Head Coach John Gard. He took over the program in 2021 and has looked to bring some of the same magic that has served him, and his cross-country teams well, to the track program.
He said that the secret to success is surrounding yourself with talented individuals to help lead the way.
“We have the best coaches in the state here in our program,” said Gard. “I sometimes feel more like an administrator than the head coach because they do so much for our kids.”
Gard’s right-hand man is Cassidy McGowan, and he shares a similar sentiment when it comes to bringing the cross-country culture to the track program.
“It’s all about challenging yourself and doing the little things so by the end of the season all of us are hitting PRs and competing for a championship,” said McGowan. “I adore our coaches. They are friends and truly exceptional people.”
The team currently has a total of 108 students registered for the season, a program PR (personal record) for a team always looking for more. In his tenure at Notre Dame, Coach Gard has always wanted kids, no matter ability or experience, to join his programs.
“Having fun and bringing joy to people’s lives is what John and I strive to do every day of the season,” said McGowan. “Some days will be harder than others, and sometimes other athletes need some tough love to be reminded of their potential. But at the end of the day, we love all the members of this team.”
Coach Gard also stated that he appreciates the opportunity to have “access to diversity in talent.” He noted that track kids are different from cross-country kids because there is such a variety of kids in the program. Track kids have played soccer, football and volleyball, and they now all come together to make up the NDA Track program.
One of the leaders of the team is Anna Miller, a sophomore and two-year member of the program. She echoes her coaches’ messages about community and building relationships with her teammates.
“There are so many reasons I love this track program, but my favorite would be how many new people I meet and train with,” she said. “I also love how everyone feels like they belong here.”
She went on to add that it is easy to build relationships when kids run together.
“I love cheering for our team as well and making other kids feel proud,” she said.
Miller has been to state before and said she hopes to return as well as improve her time in the one and two-mile races.
Coach Gard and Coach McGowan share the same goal this year and every year they have been coaching–that is, for kids to keep growing and to compete at state.
A famous quote from legendary Notre Dame cross-country supporter Mark Ernst was “There is always room at the front.” With the team motto for the year being “Never Underestimate Yourself,” that is the goal now and for future teams to come.
