For Bill Miles, it was his calling. Now in his 35th year of coaching record-breaking boys distance runners at Wayzata High School, Miles insists, “The kids do all the work, and I get all the credit—not a bad gig.”
The Minnesota Track and Field Coaches Association took note, presenting him with 2010 Minnesota Class AA Assistant State Track and Field Coach of the Year.
“I’ve had the fortune to work with exceptional head coaches and talented athletes, and have been given the freedom to run the program in a way that works for us,” says Miles. And what makes a good coach? “Coaching has got to be a reflection of who you are. Some are quiet and stern, others are more emotional. Be true to yourself. Kids can sense that,” he says.
Passion is a must, Miles adds. “We’re not doing it for money or glory,” he says. “It’s a great sport, and when you get to work with kids on something as fun as cross-country, it’s a real blessing.”
