KINGWOOD — Well, the year long-time Preston cross-country coach Paul Martin has been simultaneously excited about and dreading has finally arrived.
No, it’s got nothing to do with the pandemic, or with the potential finish of his boys’ or girls’ teams, or even about the future of the Knights’ distance running program as a whole.
This is all about a dad’s last chance to coach his daughter, as Allie Martin begins her senior year in black and silver.
“Yeah, I’ve tried not to think about it those terms,” he said, “but when you’re traveling around together on unofficial visits to college campuses all summer, it’s pretty hard to ignore the reality. Of course, I’ve got two teams of runners to focus on, so that’s certainly the main focus heading into the season.”
Preston’s boys’ team had a building year last season after finishing third in the state in 2019, but Martin believes that, despite their youth, with strong performances from 2020 state qualifier Lowell Cerbone and road warrior Tyler Martin, they’ve got a strong opportunity to finish well in the Big 10 Conference, and hope to qualify for the state meet.
“We needed a year to grow and retool,” he said, “but there’s no reason we shouldn’t expect our team to make something happen this season.”
On the girls’ side, a strong, runners-up finish in last year’s WVSSAC state finals in the 4×800-meter race — with all four girls returning — bodes well for the team, and Allie is excited.
“We think we can finish in the top three in the state if we run the way we’re capable, and stay healthy and consistent,” she said. “It’s been a fun four years with my teammates, and we really want to finish out strong.”
When asked about her experience being coached by her dad, Allie admits that the process hasn’t always been smooth.
“There have been … challenges,” she said with a smile. “There’s always going to be pressure on you from any good coach, because they are trying to get the best out of you. But when it’s your dad, sometimes it feels like it’s extra pressure. I think we’ve both been right and wrong about some things, but I also know that he saw potential in me when I was younger, and he pushed me to be more competitive, to try as hard as I can to improve. It’s made me a better runner, and his confidence in me has given me confidence in myself.
“And now, our bond is stronger than it’s ever been, and I’m glad he’s been my coach.”
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