Brett Jillson is beginning his third year as the coach of Southern Cayuga Central School’s varsity cross-country team. I wanted to know more about Brett’s background in cross-country and learn about the team culture under his leadership. Three themes emerged during our conversation: athletics, team spirit and academics.
When we began our conversation, I mentioned that Brett’s school email included his coaching roles as “varsity cross-country coach, modified boys swim coach and modified baseball coach as well as co-(Future Farmers of America) advisor.” I asked about his history with cross-country: “When the former cross-country coach Bill Mullarney retired, our Athletic Director Caitlin Wasilewski asked me if I was interested in the position. I had never done cross country as a student, but I was intrigued by the sport.
The team and I have been growing together. As a coach in two other sports, I believe that coaching skills used in baseball and swimming have helped with cross country, and vice versa.” Brett and I met at Fillmore State Park where all the cross-country teams were gathered — boys, girls, varsity and modified.
Brett explained, “All team members have been building skills throughout the summer. We have had about 30 sessions — both at the school and at a variety of parks and other locations. Practice at the school allows us to continue to improve speed and skills on relatively flat terrain.
Our summer sessions at Fillmore Glen State Park, Long Poi.