Women's Running Coaches Collective

Jacqueline Hansen was a child of the 60's and a feminist in the 70's. She began running her senior year in HS. By 24 she won her first marathon in Culver City. In 1973 she won Boston. Over the next two years Jacqueline broke the WR in the marathon 3 times. She was the first woman to break 2:40 over 26.2 miles with a time of 2:38.19. Beyond her extraordinary running career, Jacqueline Hansen was the key agitator for the inclusion of the marathon and the 3K in the Olympics in 1984. Later she helped orchestrate the addition of the 10K in 1988, and the 5k in 1996. The incredible story of a woman who fought so others could run distances in the Olympics is fascinating and bittersweet. A pioneer runner and a great feminist who believed that women could and should run longer distances was motivated by her sense of justice. A. story full of drama and urgency,  we get a glimpse back in time when women were just beginning their journey in distance running.

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

WRCC interviews legendary coach Diane Wholey on her career and advice for new and seasoned coaches

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Tom Rothenberger has coached XC and T & F for close to 40 years. Rothenberger, who is one of the most successful HS coaches in the United States, began his life as number 8 of 9 children, without the means and support to go to college. From a coach’s discovery in his sophomore year at Lakeridge HS, to a standout 1500 runner in his junior year, Tom’s running gained him the opportunity to go to Boise State University. At BSU, one word written on a chalkboard in an Education class, changed his way of thinking about coaching. Along with state and regional success as a coach, Tom was voted National Girls XC Coach of the Year in 2006. Coach “Roth” shares his inspirations, his coaching philosophy, and his secrets to success in this 2 part interview. What was that word written on the chalkboard? Listen to this fascinating interview with Tom Rothenberger and find out. And be inspired by this extraordinary master coach!

Charlotte Richardson interviews two sports executives on leadership, Part 2

From a childhood of humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio to a State Championship in HS and a D1 NCAA Heptathlon Championship while at the University of Akron, Christi Smith Ryan is now the inspirational Head Coach at Central Catholic HS in Portland, Oregon. She talks about growing up in Columbus, her extraordinary athletic career at the U of Akron, and how she leads her team through love and inspiration at Central Catholic HS. She talks about being a woman, and a coach of color, how to cultivate athleticism in XC and T & F, and the importance of diversity and openness in our world.  Coach Smith Ryan is the whole package - from extraordinary athlete to extraordinary coach."