While many people find passion in the sports they do, others find motivation to help others reach goals in those activities.

Austin Kuehr, 2014 graduate, credits his cross country and track coach, JB Hanson, to teaching him to work consistently and diligently on everything, from running to school work. Kuehr says his outlook on running and the world is due to Hanson’s coaching.

“In college, I still get the same enjoyment out of [running] and the same desire to get faster and see myself become a better runner and a better person,” Kuehr said.

Leading athletes towards enjoyment is only part of Hanson’s goal. Hanson’s enthusiasm for coaching does not end with awards.

“I think that what motivates me as a coach is the ability to have an impact on kids in ways in ways that we can’t in the classroom. Students in the classroom don’t typically learn how to work hard and to be dedicated,” Hanson said. “My goal is to give kids those skills.”

Leading appropriately, handling adversity, continuity of goals, working hard, and change and becoming a new characters are some of the lessons that Hanson teaches. These are the pillars to success that the boys’ cross country team believe in to prosper to the fullest in their training and their performance, Hanson said.

“[The team believes in the quote] ‘Everyday is a great day’” Hanson said. “We’re everyday people and we believe that if you want to be good at something, you do it everyday.” Hanson’s goal for his athletes is to teach them the lessons they can not learn in the classroom and to become better people.