How to become the Head Coach of NAU XCTF (with Jarred Cornfield)
Oct 3, 2024
auto_awesome
In this episode, Jarred Cornfield, the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at NAU, shares his journey from graduate assistant to head coach. He discusses the evolving landscape of recruiting amid NIL deals, focusing on the balance between financial incentives and athletes' passion. Jarred reflects on the heartfelt decision to stay in Flagstaff, his deep connection to the community, and the emotional rewards of mentoring athletes. Insights into team dynamics, leadership changes, and the excitement of upcoming races round out this engaging conversation.
The shift towards Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in collegiate athletics is reshaping recruitment priorities, emphasizing intrinsic motivations over financial incentives.
Building a strong team culture that prioritizes relationships and a team-first mentality is essential for enhancing both individual and collective performance in collegiate sports.
Deep dives
The Impact of NIL on Recruiting
The advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has significantly altered recruiting dynamics in collegiate athletics. While high-profile sports like football and basketball see substantial financial implications, even distance programs are beginning to feel the effects. However, the focus should remain on the intrinsic motivations of athletes, such as personal growth and commitment to the sport, rather than purely financial incentives. The hope is to recruit individuals who prioritize their passion for the sport and team dynamics, with any financial incentives seen as an added bonus at the end of their collegiate journey.
Team Culture and Legacy
The essence of team culture is vital in fostering a cohesive and successful environment in collegiate athletics. The focus should be on building strong relationships among teammates, enhancing the overall experience and performance of each athlete. Emphasizing contribution to the team, as demonstrated by past athletes, creates an enduring legacy that future athletes can strive to uphold. This team-first mentality not only improves individual success but fortifies the bonds that make competing enjoyable and fulfilling.
Coaching Journey and Growth
The journey from graduate assistant to the upcoming director at NAU highlights the dedication and passion for coaching and personal growth. This trajectory involved adapting and thriving in various roles, learning from mentors, and seizing opportunities as they arose. Each position offered unique lessons that prepared for future leadership responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience. While the journey wasn't always planned, the serendipitous development of relationships and experiences has led to a deep sense of commitment to the program and its athletes.
Balancing Coaching Responsibilities
Balancing coaching collegiate athletes and a professional runner requires conscientious management of time and energy. The dynamic nature of coaching a professional athlete allows for different training approaches, but the commitment to NAU remains paramount. Ensuring that each athlete's needs are met while maintaining a clear focus on the primary responsibilities is essential. This dual role can enrich the coaching experience, ultimately benefiting both the collegiate and professional athletes through shared insights and experiences.
Welcome back!! Join us for a deep dive into the world of NCAA and Pro coaching with Jared Cornfield, coach of Elise Cranny and successor to Mike Smith as incoming Director of Cross Country and Track & Field for both women and men at Northern Arizona University (NAU).
In this episode, George sits down with Jared to discuss his journey from graduate assistant to director, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for NAU's future. They also reminisce about their time starting together at NAU in 2015 and share insights into the challenges and rewards of coaching at the collegiate level.
We will be in NYC for the marathon this year! Fill out this form to join us (or so we can cheer for you!): https://forms.gle/oKgRYL1CwSkYr3ycA