Grayslake Central girls track and field coach finds it hard to leave the sport 'on the track'

GRAYSLAKE – Track and field season is just around the corner and this week Lake County Suburban Life contributor Tim Sieck sat down with Grayslake Central girls track and field coach Shawn Murphy.

Murphy tells of his athletic background, what he enjoys most about coaching and much more.

Sieck: What is your athletic background?

Murphy: I was a multi-sport athlete in high school. I played football, wrestled, ran track and played baseball. I also played two years of collegiate football.

Sieck: What is your favorite thing about coaching?

Murphy: It is so hard to narrow down to one favorite aspect of coaching. I love being able to see the growth and success of individual athletes over a four-year period. So many athletes have no clue what their true potential is and helping them discover what they are capable of is amazing.

Sieck: What do you feel is the toughest thing about coaching?

Murphy: I struggle with not bringing track home. I sometimes become obsessed with what we are doing during the season, predicating future meets or invites, and planning during the off season. I also have an issue with leaving bad days on the track. If the girls don't compete well, I am always first to blame myself.

Sieck: How do you define a successful season?

Murphy: I ask myself, "Did we have fun this season and have we helped develop the character and discipline of our athletes?" If we did that, the rest will fall into place.

Sieck: Who have been your coaching mentors and how have they helped you?

Murphy: I have had two very different people help shape my coaching style. As an athlete, Daryl Dugger coached me in multiple sports. He instilled in me the importance of hard work, attention to details, team work, and how to lead a team. I know that sounds like a lot, but I was lucky enough to have him coach me for years before he passed. The second man would be Ray Albin. Ray helped mentor me as a coach He helped me learn how to plan a practice for not just my coaching area, but for the whole team. He also really helped me learn the importance of organization and how it will make the season run much smoother.

Sieck: What do you like to do when you are away from coaching and the classroom?

Murphy: I love to be outdoors. You will either see me with a fishing pole or prepping to go on a hunt. It allows me to turn my mind off and truly relax.

Sieck: What is the best part about coaching at Grayslake Central?

Murphy: I first have to say thank you to my coaching staff, administrators and parents. I have been blessed with multiple coaches who are very knowledgeable and committed to our program and an administrative team who values and backs what we do. I also have great parental involvement, making sure we have everything we need. Lastly, our athletes are committed, driven, and work very well together.