Even after graduating three of their top four runners last year, Hamilton Southeastern is still a force to be reckoned with. The depth they had in 2014 plays a huge part as they come into the season ranked second, only behind Carmel, when we rank teams based off of returning times. We talked with Joe Golden about this year's team and what he thinks they are capable of during the 2015 XC Season.
Top Returnees from 2014 XC Season (5K Times)
| 1) Gabe Fendel | 16:03.20 | |||
| 2) Bryce Barnett | 16:06.40 | |||
| 3) Ben Wagoner | 16:15.20 | |||
| 4) Brayden Watson | 16:15.70 | |||
| 5) Ian Leatherman | 16:35.10 | |||
| Average Time: 16:15.12 Total Time: 1:21:15.60 1-5 Split: 31.90 | ||||
| 6) Alex Moriarty | 16:55.70 | |||
| 7) Josh Lecount | 16:56.50 | |||
Top Returning 3200m Times from 2015 Outdoor Season
| 1) Gabe Fendel | 9:21.22 | |||
| 2) Ben Wagoner | 9:26.93 | |||
| 3) Bryce Barnett | 10:13.84 |
Top Returning 1600m Times from 2015 Outdoor Season
| 1) Gabe Fendel | 4:23.76 | |||
| 2) Bryce Barnett | 4:30.68 | |||
| 3) Brayden Watson | 4:34.90 |
How has summer training been going? What do you focus on during the summer months?
Summer Training has gone exceptionally well. We have a very committed group of boys this season. Our focus was on aerobic base, with an emphasis on adding additional hill work for the 2015 season.
Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
I have been impressed with several of the boys, but Gabe Fendel has made a significant improvement and will be among the state leaders. Ian Leatherman has stepped up after a great summer to add depth to the team.
Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
We have a great freshman class, but it is still too early to know if any can move into a varsity position.
What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season? What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?
The team has put in the miles, now they have to come together as a team- meaning they need to really be ready to run for each other.
What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
Our three team goals are Conference Champions, State Champions, and to have top five spread of less than 30 seconds.
What meets will your team be focusing on this season?
Conference and the State Meet will be our main focus.
What are some staples workouts your team does throughout the season?
We do one that is called the Creighton after Australian standout Shaun Creighton. It is 2x90,4x1min,4x30sec,4x15sec. It is a quick hitter that really pushes the athletes, but leaves them with something in the tank.
Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
We have a real team mentality, so we do not assign captains, but Ben Wagoner and Braden Watson have stepped into a leadership roll for us.
Your top five returners have a gap of 30 seconds - what is it like to have such a close group of guys training together?
It is a luxury for sure! It really allows the boys to push each other in practice and really hold each other accountable.
You’ve been coaching for a while and received a number of awards - what have you learned in your time as a coach? What have been your favorite memories coaching?
The most important concept I have learned is that each team is different. The workouts and mental approach has to change; sometimes dramatically to have team success. My favorite moment is hard to state, but I do know I have been fortunate to coach great kids and work with great families. My best moments have come when we have that true team feeling and everyone shares in great performance.