Coach: Training methods have changed a lot

The fall sports season has officially started. BHS Girls Cross Country coach Deb Revolta took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions. The former collegiate runner is a physical therapist when she isn’t leading the Fillies.

Sieck: What is your athletic background?

Revolta: I ran cross country and track at Glenbrook South High School. Cross country was for my senior year only and track was for four years. We only had a cross country team my senior year in high school. I also ran cross country and track in college at North Carolina State University for four years.

Sieck: What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Revolta: Having young people reach their goals and have success.

Sieck: What has been your proudest coaching moment?

Revolta: I have had many. The top three would be when we won the state title for cross country in 2003, when we won the state title in track and field in 2007, and when Rebecca Tracy won the mile at state in a time of 4:49 in 2009.

Sieck: What is the toughest thing about coaching?

Revolta: Toughest part is when kids get injured or sick and they cannot compete. They have worked so hard and then to have it taken away is tough.

Sieck: How do you define a successful season?

Revolta: A successful season is when the team reaches its potential and the girls are running at their best at the end of the season.

Sieck: Who have been your coaching mentors?

Revolta: My mentor has been Jody Gitelis, who is the head track coach at Barrington High School.  She was also my high school coach my senior year. She is the reason I wanted to get into coaching. She has taught me that coaching is more than just wins and losses. It’s about listening to kids and what is going on in their lives, and helping them navigate through the ups and downs of everyday life.

Sieck: What has changed the most in high school cross country since you competed?

Revolta: Training methods have changed a lot over the years as well as the technology we now see in the shoes that we train and race in.

Sieck: What is the best thing about coaching at Barrington High School?

Revolta: The support system at Barrington High School is phenomenal. From the principal, to the athletic director, to the entire coaching staff of all the sports.  Everyone wants the kids to do well no matter what sport they take part in.