The Shamrocks ran at Districts in Hermitage, Missouri, this past weekend on October 27, 2018. Coach Tucker has been working with his athletes, preparing them throughout the season and focusing now on State. He has shared his thoughts on the District tournament this weekend.
Coach Tucker was asked what his feelings were on NHHS’s recent move to Class 2 this year and how he felt about the different competition. “It's something we have no control over so I don't get too emotional about it. Obviously, I would have liked to stay in Class 1 but all we can do is prepare to do the best we can in whatever class we are in,” replied Coach Tucker.
With the high school being bumped up into Class 2, there was also a change of where the team raced for Districts. Hermitage, Missouri, was the new location for the Shamrocks and-- a new course for them to run on.
Coach Tucker was then asked how he felt about Districts being at a new course, and he said, “Every year we redistrict, so the potential for a new course is always possible. We did have an opportunity to race there in September, which I feel [gave] us an advantage going into Districts.”
After being asked his opinion of how his athletes have been running this year, he explained, “We have been progressing nicely. As in every season, there were some bumps in the road-- i.e. injuries-- but overall, we [were] ready for the District meet, which [was] my goal at [that] point of the season.”
On the topic of his athletes running this season, Coach Tucker talked about the differences, if any, in preparing for Districts and a regular meet. Mr. Tucker said, “Not really. I try to emphasize the same things throughout the season so District doesn't put my athletes into a ‘new’ situation. Individuals respond better if they know what is going to happen, so consistency is essential for athletes to maintain positive mental focus.”
Coach Tucker was then asked if the long 3-hour drive affected the athletes before the race. Coach reported, “No, ideally we are only traveling an hour or so but we [arrived] early enough that we [could] properly get warmed up and ready before the races.”
Good luck, Shamrocks, on the rest of your season!