Athletics

We have a saying one of coaches, Scott Griffith, termed and that is, “It takes what it takes!”  Please don’t be misled as this is not an all or nothing mantra. It means being the best in all areas of your life. It means being intentional, brave, and willing to make the decisions necessary to be great. Being a student and managing your schoolwork while balancing being an athlete, trying your very best for your teammates in your daily efforts and races, and taking time to recover when appropriate (which may include a day off from running) are all just examples of the attitude it takes.

Very simple we are a team first program. Being the best teammate, you can be, showing up and being intentional in your actions in practice and races, and having a great attitude about any challenge put in your way is just something we do every single day. Any given day is just another day that ends in “Y”, and we can handle that.

Communication! We have expectations in our program of our student/athletes to become mature young adults who are accountable. Cross Country athletes are disciplined by nature on and off the course. Athletes communicate with their position coach any activities that they need to complete outside of practice and sometimes that simply means balance. Our athletes do extremely well at communicating which we prioritize as one of the greatest attributes we can help them cultivate to be better in all facets of their lives going forward.

Any athlete that comes out and takes a risk. At their age it is not easy to put yourself out there and take risk. The social pressures and athletic pressures of being on a team is a lot for any adolescent. When you see an athlete commit to working hard, put in a large amount of time, and get rewarded by achieving things they didn’t think possible is the main reason why most coaches are in the profession. So give any coach on our staff a Saturday morning where a young man or lady goes out hard at the beginning of a race, tries hard in the middle stages, and gets real brave early in the late stages of a race that goes onto run the best they ever have in their life and that is all the motivation any of us need to be inspired and keep working hard for our athletes, parents, and school.

Take a chance and go out for the team. We often have athletes who do not start until their sophomore or junior year of high school. There isn’t one athlete of those who hasn’t said they wish they had started as a freshman. Cross Country is a place for students to find a home and challenge themselves. It is one of the unique sports where everyone competes every weekend and they get to challenge themselves against a clock, to do their best for their teammates, and more importantly build life skills that go way beyond a cross country course.

A typical day starts early—I’m usually the first to arrive at the Board of Education, often greeting the custodian as the building is being opened and prepared for cleaning. By 6:30 a.m., I’m reviewing scores from the night before, checking standings, and looking ahead at the day’s schedule. I also begin tackling emails, addressing concerns, and making sure that every coach, parent, and administrator feels heard.

By 7:15 a.m., I’m on the phone with our school-level Athletic Directors, checking in to see how I can support them and their programs. Mid-mornings are often spent monitoring facility projects and repairs, whether it’s a gym floor being refinished or irrigation work at one of our fields. After lunch, my focus shifts to regional and state-level business—GHSA reclassification, eligibility, and scheduling are constant parts of the job.

By mid-afternoon, I’m preparing for the evening’s events. School spirit is important to me, so I make sure to wear the correct school colors. It’s not unusual for the back seat of my car to resemble a dry cleaner’s rack, with multiple shirts ready, so I can show up in support of each school I visit.

The day typically ends with one last check of emails, text messages, and statewide scores before turning in for the night. And then, before I know it, 4:55 a.m. arrives, and it all begins again.

This rhythm of strategy, support, and spirit is demanding, but it’s also gratifying because every day is about serving students, coaches, and schools.

Coaches today face a unique challenge: balancing the drive for athletic excellence with the responsibility of helping students find a sense of belonging, purpose, and growth. My role is to empower them to do both.

I encourage our coaches to be intentional about celebrating the whole student-athlete—not just the wins on the scoreboard, but the daily victories in character, academics, and leadership. When students feel seen and valued, they perform better in both academic and real-world settings.

One of the best lessons I learned came from my first coach. At the end of every practice, he had each position coach nominate a “player of the day.” The recognition wasn’t always for a touchdown or a great drill—it might be for helping another student in class, showing respect to a teacher, or encouraging a teammate. That kind of culture builds not just athletes, but also confident and respectful young people.

I challenge our coaches to model that same creativity and positivity. By promoting the good, we build momentum. When students feel successful, they deliver successful results. My job is to make sure our coaches know they have the support, resources, and encouragement to keep that cycle alive.

Countless moments make me proud of our coaching community. We’ve celebrated state championships in multiple sports, earned Directors Cup titles, and been recognized with sportsmanship awards. But what stands out most is how Forsyth County consistently invests in students and embraces new opportunities.

Over the last eight years, our coaches and athletes have shown that when a new sport or activity is introduced, we don’t just participate—we strive to excel from the very beginning. In 2013, North Forsyth won the very first state bass fishing championship. In 2019, Lambert captured the inaugural GHSA spring Esports title. In 2020, during its first GHSA season, West Forsyth won the first-ever state flag football championship. And in 2024, South Forsyth brought home a state title in dance in only the program’s fourth year of existence.

These accomplishments are more than trophies. They are a testament to our coaches’ willingness to innovate, our student-athletes’ commitment to excellence, and the unwavering support of our parents and community. In Forsyth County, when we start something, we do it with the intent to be the very best—and time and again, our coaches and athletes have proven that to be true.

Athletics is one of the most powerful forces in shaping school culture. A strong athletic program creates pride, unity, and identity—not just for student-athletes, but for the entire student body, faculty, parents, and community. Friday night lights, a packed gym, or a championship moment can all bring people together in a way few other things can.

Beyond the spirit and pride, athletics play a critical role in student success. Participation teaches life lessons that last far beyond high school, including discipline, teamwork, resilience, time management, and leadership. These skills are directly transferable to the classroom and to life after graduation.

In Forsyth County, athletics is more than competition; it’s a classroom without walls. It’s where students discover who they are, where they belong, and how to push themselves to reach their full potential. Athletics sets the tone for a culture of excellence, and when our programs thrive, the entire school community thrives.

My advice is essential and straightforward: lead with people first. Athletics is about much more than schedules, budgets, or facilities—it’s about serving students, coaches, and communities. If you can go slow and listen well, build trust, and make others feel supported, the rest will follow.

You also need to balance vision with details. At the district level, you shape long-term strategy while also addressing the daily challenges that arise from events, eligibility, or facility issues. Flexibility, communication, and a steady hand are critical.

Finally, never lose sight of school spirit. Show up, be visible, wear the colors, and celebrate both big and small successes. Leadership at this level is about uniting schools under a shared standard of excellence while honoring the unique culture of each community. If you can do that, you’ll not only lead successful programs—you’ll help shape students’ lives for the better.