People will come into and go out of your life. You will meet all kinds of people. Some you can trust and some you can’t trust. Some who believe in you and some do not. There are also people you meet who are wise, protective, inspirational, respectful, trust worthy, caring and loving and who look out for your best interest no matter what the circumstances. These people are very rare to come by in life. We may not always see eye to eye, but Coach Vohland; I can always count on you.
If you ask any coach about what they do, they will probably say, “It’s such a privilege to work with these runners.” If you ask me, it’s been a privilege for me to have been coached by Coach Vohland for the last four years. He has put up with my nonsense for seven straight seasons and the man is still alive and well. He has put up with my constant talking and complaining and my ridiculous jokes and his personal favorite, my spectacular singing! I remember the first time I rode with Coach in his car, it was my freshman year, and we were on our way to Bloomington. I was forced to sit in the front seat, because, according to him, "he was not a taxi service". I know he regrets making me sit in the front seat, because that let me be in charge of the radio. It just so happened, I knew every song that played from the time we left to the time we returned and I had no problem singing each of these songs. It was a proud moment for me! However, Coach would tell you he almost made a trip to the hospital because his ears were bleeding so bad...I never did ride in his car again....luckily we all ride in buses now! At the end of the day, even if it’s not an easy going day, I am glad I have shared many times with Coach.
Now let me tell you something about Coach Vohland. He’s a tough coach one that will push you to the limit. Not once have I ever been able to take the easy way out. I have worked through pain and tears to get where I am today. Yes, Coach may have been yelling at me the whole time but it’s only because he knows what I’m capable of. He knows that I have to push through otherwise my full potential will be wasted. He is the one person who has never doubted me and my potential as a runner and has encouraged me to strive for the best. He constantly tells us, “You have to run till you feel uncomfortable, and when you reach that point you have to break down that wall and push through, push past the uncomfortable.” He tells us before every single meet “if you’re running fast … run faster.” It’s this mental build up that has prepared me for any race and any obstacle I have to face. You can ask any one of my teammates and they will all agree that all of it is worth the work and the yelling when you get a high five from coach. That is when you know your hard work has paid off. That signature glorifying 2.5 sec high five, Man does it just make your day. Nothing I mean nothing surpasses that moment when he gives you his signature high five!
Coach Vohland has taught me more than how to be a better runner, he has taught me how to be a team leader, how to work hard, how to move on and push through the low points, but most of all, he has taught me that you can have fun doing something you truly love. I can honestly say, if it wasn't for Coach Vohland, I would not be the runner I am today and the person I have become. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have taught me. You are truly the best coach an athlete could ever ask for.This one goes out to you Coach Vohland. Thank you!
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