MileSplit Ohio's Nate Shively caught up with Canton Central Catholic's cross country head coach John Paul to discuss the team's goals for this season. The Crusaders opened their 2020 campaign with back-to-back wins at Claymont XC Early Bird Invitational and Ashley White Invitational in Marlington. The team is led All-Ohio senior Barrett Scheatzle and junior Ian Paul. Narrowly missing a team appearance at the state meet last year, the team looks to earn its way to state this year.
MileSplit Ohio:
How did summer training go during these uncertain times? What was the team's morale like?
Coach Paul:
Summer training went really well. Trials of miles and miles of trials. We had a great base over the summer. This team is knowledgeable and has a passion for the sport. When you have faith, passion, dedication, great work ethic and camaraderie, the key pieces to succeed are there. The boy's are especially extra hungry after missing state by 9 points last year and the spring track shutdown only added to their excitement and anticipation to race/compete again. The team's morale has been good, but anxious. We have a window for team success this season with 3 of our top 5 being seniors. We try to express a positive mental attitude at all times, control what we can, expect the unexpected, never take anything for granted and be motivated by what our competition is doing. The pandemic has added some extra legwork with temperature checks, masks, social distancing, scheduling, meet procedures, etc. But I think all athletes and coaches are very grateful for the extra work done by health departments, meet managers, officials, administrators, fellow athletes, to make the season happen.
MileSplit Ohio:
What does the team's training look like? What's your training philosophy?
Coach Paul:
Our training philosophy has developed over the years. Crazy to stop and think this is my 28th year as head coach. Big influences on our training philosophy have been my personal competing/ training experience under my college coach at Walsh University, Dan McCallion who preached mental toughness, mile repeats, and luck when preparation meets opportunity. We also use Joe Vigil and Jack Daniels tables, charts, and philosophies on VDOT system, pacing, recovery times, tempo speeds. I would also be remiss if I did not mention Jack Hazen of Malone University, as I have referred to his book on training. I try not to admit that too loudly especially to my fellow Walsh alums as Walsh and Malone are arch rivals, but they should know I also always remind Coach Hazen of NAIA Nationals 1988, the first time Walsh beat Malone in XC. Current Walsh coach Rob Mizicko is also someone I currently seek advice from.
MileSplit Ohio:
Your team ran a dominant race at the Claymont XC Early Bird Invitational, winning the team race with 23 points and your top 5 guys all finishing in the top 10. What are you taking away from this performance?
Coach Paul:
Going 1-2-5-7-8 was a dominant race at Claymont. Any time you have a low score of 23 at at invite is impressive. We are concerned about our depth, but have boys in the 6/7 spots who ran their first race as Crusaders and should improve. Those were impressive times for the first meet.
MileSplit Ohio:
The team narrowly missed a trip to state last year. Barrett Scheatzle made it to the state meet as an individual last year. Is the goal this year to bring a team with him down to state? And what other team goals do you have for the season?
Coach Paul:
Last year's regional race was a tough ending. Nine points is as close as we have ever been without making it. Our 2001 team made state on a tiebreaker in Division 2. The team was visibly upset in our team area after the race. But last year's shortfall only added to the returning varsity guys motivation and common goal. The boys took pride in watching Barrett Scheatzle make state last year and finish All-Ohio. Our team is as committed and tight as friends on and off the course as we have had. Our team goals are to stay healthy, run tough at the Stark county meet, perform at a high level in the post season, return and compete at the state meet.
MileSplit Ohio:
Can you highlight some of the Canton Central Catholic up-and-comers? What are you looking for from your underclassmen this year?
Coach Paul:
Our top five are solid led by senior Barrett Scheatzle, All Ohio in 2019, Sr. Blake Abbott, Sr. Sean Domer, Jr. Ian Paul, and Junior Max Grillo.
Junionr, Aaron Shiplett and freshman, Nick Hallaman currently round out the varsity. Our team size is smaller than usual this year with 13 boys. Hopefully success this year will pay off dividends in finding runners for next season. Not having spring track may have hurt our numbers. However our focus now is to concentrate on this season and window of opportunity, continue to work hard, race mentally tough and achieve great things.
MileSplit Ohio:
Thank you, Coach Paul. Good luck this season!