Coach Reese Ruland is taking TJ’s Cross Country Program to the next level.
The New Cross Country Coach, Reese Ruland, points the right way for Spartans to run. Photo by Savanah Orth
Kicking off the 2012-2013 cross country season, TJ’s new cross country coach, Reese Ruland, immediately dove into tee shirt ideas for the team’s slogan, some of which included, “Get Used to this View” on the back of the shirts and, “I run like a girl” on the front of the girls’ tees. Coach Ruland says she puts everything she has into her running and her new team. “I started running before I could walk,” she said.
Ruland, who was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, also assists other teachers and works with special ed students.
“I chose to work at TJ because running is my passion, and I wanted to get out of my desk job,” said Ruland, who was a member of her high school and university cross-country teams, and after college she continued. “I did ultra marathons after and since then kept going,” said Ruland, who participated in many different races such as the JFK 50 mile, Steamboat Springs 50 mile, and Pagosa Springs 50 mile. She even ran and created her own race called the Reese’s Cup Race over the summer. “I created the race to get together with friends and have some competitive fun.”
Reflecting on her time at TJ thus far, Ruland said, “I absolutely love it; it’s so much fun! I love my team. They are such a pleasure to work with. I think the point of running is to have fun; I want them to grow and improve, but also enjoy themselves.”
TJ’s cross-country team has competed in two meets: the first at Bible Park, and the second at Thornton. “Every runner did well, especially for the beginning of the season.”
Coach Ruland shared her favorite books, shows and memory, with The Journal, saying, “ My favorite book would have to be anything by David Sedaris and my favorite show is Breaking Bad.” She says she has many fond memories to choose from, all involving running, but decided on one: “Running up Wetterhorn Peak and sitting on the summit with my friend Dakota has to be my favorite memory.” When asked her favorite color and place, she responded with, “Teal, definitely. And Colorado, specifically, anything above the tree line.”
Some of the runners previously reflected on Rulands sense of humor, which she showed when The Journal asked what she’s enjoyed most about coaching. “My favorite part would have to be always being right, even when I’m wrong.” Laughing, she added, “Kidding! I’m totally kidding! I love to see kids improve in every aspect.”
Much like the students on cross-country, Ruland enjoyed the year. She explained her favorite memory with the team so far was heading up to Green Mountain over the summer with Marcus Allen, Obed Munoz, John Cushing, and this reporter. Once there, the team went for a run up to the top of Green Mountain, and on the way back managed to pick up some of the biggest Slurpees ever.
New to TJ, but already making a good impression, Coach Ruland dedicates her days to the classrooms, and after school to the cross-country team, in order to help them improve and have fun along the way.
