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 Point, Myers, Steward and other parks, or running in different towns like Aurora, allow students to experience courses with hills, turns and other challenges.” I asked Brett to predict outcomes for the team’s season: “We have many of the same members as we had last year, and their skills are steadily improving. The group has a close bond, welcomes new members and they all love to run.
There is healthy competition among members that results in all athletes running faster and more confidently. I always host a big dinner before each divisional game. We have healthy food and prepare both physically and psychologically for the game.
” As our conversation about the team’s skills and team spirit concluded, Brett moved to the topic of academics. “The team knows how I value academic performance and would love for cross-country varsity to be listed as one of the SCCS Athlete Team Award winners. To do this, 75% of our team’s roster must have a GPA of 90% or higher.
The best voices for our team values are our athletes.” Brett arranged interviews with four athletes to further illustrate this. Elaine Meyers Brady Young is beginning his second season with Coach Jillson.
Our conversation began with the athletic aspect of the sport, followed by team spirit and ending with academics: “I work on my speed. We have a series of workouts that consist of high intensity interval, long distance and hills. I really like running and I train at least 12 to 18 hours a week in the summer.
Team members help each other with kindness and teaching skills. I hope to serve as the team captain this season going forward, and will help our team in any way needed. I have always been a good student and was a 2024 scholar athlete.
I know academic performance is valued by the team and Coach Jillson." Aidan Jillson has always loved running: “You run in basketball, but I always like trying new things. I knew cross-country would have lots of running challenges, but I didn’t expect I would like it as much as I do.
Our team helps everyone to get better — we push each other to excel. I have always been on the principal’s honor roll and am applying for advanced classes this year. I love biology and the sciences.
I would like to know how science and athletics are connected.” Aidan also was a 2024 scholar athlete. My third student player was Jacob Stowell, who is beginning his second year on the team.
“I was injured last year, so I really must be careful and pace myself this year. I compete with my teammates for fun and we all push each other to higher standards of racing. I am sure we have a chance to compete in the state championship games this year.
I guess you could call me the team comedian ...
it’s important that we can laugh together.” I smiled and asked Jacob to tell me a joke. He stared blankly: “Well, I can’t think of one right now.
” “OK,” I replied. “Let’s go on to academics. How are your grades?” “Grades? Well .
.. it all depends on what you want to look at.
” We made eye contact, and I burst out laughing. The team comedian had come through. Jacob concluded, “This year I am going to focus just on athletics and academics.
I am going to let other clubs go for the cross-country season.” Lorelei Hill is an eighth grader on the girls modified cross-country team: “I like being active and running really makes me happy. I focus on keeping healthy so I can continue to improve athletically.
All the cross-country teams support each other. The coach and varsity team members encourage us to keep trying, and being co-ed helps me really push harder as I run against both boys and girls. My sister Bristol is a 2024 scholar athlete, and I have good grades as well.
I really love this team and will practice hard, get lots of sleep, and do well in school and on the field.” Elaine Meyers, of King Ferry, is a member of the boards of the ABC Cayuga Play Space, Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree Project and Southern Cayuga Garden Club. She works on the Emily Howland Literacy Committee and is the author of "Iron Pants," published in 2022.
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