ATHLETICS
A
ATHLETICS
A
Juicebox Martel, and faculty member, Johanna
Evans share King's coaching philosphy and
passion for running.
The coaches value giving the student-athletes
the ability to compete at many levels of inter-
collegiate racing. Every member of the team has
the opportunity to race against regional y and
national y ranked teams on any given weekend.
"Cross country is about having fun. I'm
trying to turn the screw to make things more
challenging as the years goes by. Academics
come first. It's about balance. If a student-athlete
has less time to spend I work with the student
to lessen the commitment."
The program continues to grow; last season
was the first time that both teams competed as
a split-squad, running at two different events
on the same day. King is extremely proud of a
consecutive team scoring streak, with the em-
phasis on finishing each race. "Not every runner
is going to be the fastest or the slowest, but they
can al work on hil s and their own personal
goals while having the opportunity to represent
the Academy."
For the third consecutive year, the cross coun-
try team was honored with the United States
Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches
Association All-Academic Team Award and
for the tenth consecutive year a member of the
men's team grabbed North Atlantic Confer-
ence All-Academic team honors. The team is
creating a legacy of leadership, with a number
of regimental ship rates and training staff, stu-
dent-government officers, club and class office
members, and residential assistants al following
in each other's footsteps.
This season the Mariners saw 28 runners
compete in post-conference ECAC and NCAA
regional cross country championship races.
King, staying true to the "once in, forever
in," belief, keeps a folder in his office with al
Photos courtesy of R King.
of the race results from Maine Maritime Cross
in math and science who want to come to Maine
competing they are always there to support their
Country since 1962. "Having these results helps
Maritime Academy and who also have an interest
teammates.
me reach out to alumni, and gets them involved
in running.
"Back when I first started coaching we would
with our team. We are al part of the same team,
"I want to make it an enjoyable experience"
run the "square" around Route 166 off neck. I
whether its alumni, current athletes, or future
King says, "I am here to help and build a con-
would be running in the lead with the team be-
Mariners."
nection with the students so that they know that
hind me. When cars would approach us, I would
"The biggest success
"
there is someone on campus who believes in
cross my arms, indicating that the cross country
for me is if a student-ath- You may not be able to
them and is their biggest advocate. My goal is
team was behind me," King said. "I'd often get a
lete goes for a run the
play other sports forever,
that the student is able to get an education and
wave back in acknowledgment from the driver.
day after they graduate.
walk out the door with a diploma."
It's now become a sign that one member of the
You may not be able to
but you can run forever.
The team embraces certain traditions while
team can give to another acknowledging each
play other sports forever, "
they are competing in season. Every time they
other by sight when other forms of communica-
but you can run forever."
hit the road, King's wife, Sarah, wil visit Bagel
tion won't work."
Central in Bangor to get breakfast for the away
Helping the team over the past three years
trips and even when the team captains are not
are two Assistant Coaches. MMA staff member,
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MARINER / 2015 - ISSUE 2
marinersports.org
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