GAME On the Sideline: Coach Turgeon

GAME On the Sideline: Coach Turgeon

GAME On the Sideline
Q & A with Steven Turgeon, Varsity Track and Field Head Coach, Barrington High

School Profile:
 Barrington High School, The Eagles
 Barrington, Rhode Island
 Public enrollment, 1,100 students
 173 Rhode Island Team Athletic Championships
 20 RI Track and Field Titles (Boys and Girls)

1) What’s been exciting about this season?

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We had a lot of talented athletes graduate last year so there were a lot of varsity spots open this year. It's been exciting to see kids step into those roles and become varsity contributors. We've also have a lot of new kids, freshman and athletes new to indoor track who are making varsity contributions which makes it very exciting for the future of our program.

2) Where is your team going?

Last year we finished second in the state to LaSalle with the state meet coming down to the final event. While I don't think we'll be able to do that again this year, I think we are one of the top 5 teams in the state. We have a real shot of winning the Class B title, which we've done the last two years. It won't be easy but we'll be in the hunt.

3) What’s been your greatest success as a coach?

For a variety of reasons, there was a lot of turnover in the head coach position at Barrington before I took the job. As a result, participation in girls track had waned. I've been there for six season now (both indoor and outdoor) and brought some stability to the program. We had over 100 kids sign up for outdoor last year. I'm very proud to have helped built something the kids want to be a part of.

4) What’s been your biggest failure?

Over the years I've had a few athletes who had a lot of talent but not the motivation. Track is a very individual sport and if you're not willing to put in the work, you will not have success no matter how talented you are. As a track coach, you want to instill them same passion for the sport you have in your athletes. Sometimes you just can't.

5) What is your coaching experience?

I've been the head girls indoor and outdoor Track & Field Coach at Barrington high school since the 2005-06 Indoor season.

6) Who have been the best players you’ve coached?

I'm lucky to have had several state champions compete for me. If I had to pick one it would be Sarah Barry. She graduated last year and is now running for Yale. She holds several school records, won the New England 1000 as a junior and ran in the seeded section of the mile at the Nike Indoor Nationals as a senior.

7) How do you motivate your players?

We talk a lot about personal records "PRs". The great thing about track and field is that no one rides the bus and then rides the bench. Everyone competes so everyone has the chance to accomplish something every time they get on the track. If you run a race faster, throw further or jump higher than you every did before, that's a big deal regardless of where you finish.