Even when the pace slows and their run ends, the girls’ distance track team keeps the field buzzing with energy. A loudspeaker rolls through the grass, blasting upbeat music as the girls gather to stretch, laugh, and support one another.
Each day is challenging yet high-spirited, and at the heart of this refreshing atmosphere is girls’ distance coach Seth Stewart.
Stewart–better known as Coach Stew–began coaching at MN only three years ago, yet he’s already made strides in improving this team of quick-footed athletes. However, coaching wasn’t always his plan.
Shortly before his arrival at MN, Stew was requested to coach at Plattsmouth Middle School. He took up the offer unsure of what to expect, only to find something new and profound: a sense of purpose. “I didn’t necessarily seek out coaching, but I really enjoyed it,” he said.
After only one brief fall season at Plattsmouth, Stew began seeking out other coaching opportunities for track. In his search, he stumbled across a position open at MN.
“It sounded like it was only gonna be one year, because [the girl’s coach] was on maternity leave, but I embraced it anyway,” Stew said.
Quickly finding passion in the program, Stew now leads the girls’ distance team into his third year–this time with some changes in mind.
For starters, Stew has shifted his focus to quality over quantity. Practices now include more extensive warmups and cooldowns, lengthy hip-mobility stretches, efficient workouts, and deliberate scheduling. Not only do these changes better build endurance and speed, but they also help prevent injuries and lingering soreness.
“I feel like it’s improved everyone as a runner, and I think most people can agree that the new additions to our runs will be beneficial in later weeks,” said senior distance runner Ella Jonas.
But perhaps more importantly, Stew has adopted a new mindset this year.
“I set new goals every year as a coach, and my goal this year was to have more fun with the team,” Stew said.
During these hip-mobility exercises, Stew plays vibrant music to lighten the mood and keep runners motivated.
“The music makes us all pumped up and ready, and it makes [stretching] more enjoyable so we won’t slack off,” sophomore runner Alaina Hutchinson said.
On top of this, Stew has introduced a new incentive for good performance–vivid, plastic flower pins.
Each time a runner sets a new personal record, Stew rewards them with a colorful pin to wear. The coach will also place a pin on his own hat, creating his own miniature pastel garden. While small, these little prizes contribute to building a positive mindset, something every runner needs.
Running is often a grueling sport, demanding weeks of dedicated training, endurance, and mental toughness. When you run, your legs will tire, your muscles will burn, and your body will want to give up. The true skill in running isn’t one’s speed or endurance, but their ability to embrace and push through the pain, maintaining an ironclad mentality as they race. and maintain a headstrong mindset despite the pain.
The best way to build this ironclad mentality is by developing a positive attitude both on and off the track. If the athlete learns to love the sport, they’ll be better equipped to persevere through it.
Stew also does something most coaches don’t do: he runs side-by-side with his runners. Whether it’s a slow jog or an intense workout, Stew never forces his athletes to do something he isn’t willing to do himself, showing them they can push themselves even when it gets hard.
By cultivating a more positive environment, Coach Stew hopes to instill a healthy relationship with running in his athletes.
“I lean on running because it’s something more meditative for me, and I want these young women to be able to lean on running when life gets hard,” Stew said.
Through these supportive new changes to the program, the girls’ distance community has grown even closer. Workouts and exercises have become a shared experience for the team, deepening camaraderie and support.
“I think the community has gotten even stronger than it was before, and adding these new things has brought everyone closer,” Jonas said.
Although his time at MN has been short, Stew has already made a lasting mark in the distance community, transforming the girls’ team into a close-knit, dynamic community. His leadership extends beyond just improving race times and workouts–he fosters an atmosphere based on resilience, support, and sportsmanship.
Girls’ distance track isn’t just about loudspeaker music and plastic flower pins; it’s about a rich, vibrant community like no other.