Championship Coaches: Brian Berkemeyer Freeport HS


Championship Coaches: Brian Berkemeyer Freeport HS

We wanted to find out what the set the championship programs apart from the rest of the state, check out our interview with Freeport Head Coach Brian Berkemeyer who has guided the Falcons to the last two Class B Boys titles


What kind of training did your team get in over the summer months leading into the season?

The top boys put in a lot of miles over the summer. They along with the rest of the team participated in the Run In A Race Backwoods Trail Series during June and July. We also have a weekly running group for the team and anybody that wants to get into running shape.

How did you train the team in the final weeks leading up to the state meet?

We basically did one hard workout before regionals and then did a lot of easy miles sometimes with pick-ups and a few strides at the end of practice. The team was focused on staying relaxed and relying on their previous training.

What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to win the state title?

After last year, we felt confident that the team could put it all together for the last meet. The key was staying healthy and fending off York and Greely.

What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?

It was great having the previous meet on the same course. We did some visualization of that race and had tried to mentally improve.

What was the race plan for the state meet and how did you feel it was executed?

The plan was for everyone to try and run a PR. They all came close.

Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?

Our fifth runner(Tom Doyle) pr'd by 10 seconds! All of our other runners ran very solid races. Of course you can't take anything away from having 1,2 and 6 in the top ten.

What were your feelings and emotions when you realized your team had won or during the awards?

I was so pleased to see Chandler and Henry come in 1-2. Then it was followed by the Team. I am very impressed with how we all focused as a team. After last year, I knew we had the team to beat and it was nice to see it all come together.

What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?

Chandler, Erik, and Henry have be solid runners all season. Then we had Alex Les come in as a freshman and steadily improve all season. Our biggest question was the 5th runner. We have 6 guys that began the season around 19 minutes. We needed to find the 5th. We also had to deal with a few injuries.

How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?

This is a very dedicated group. The top runners have set the tone, establishing a positive work ethic. When they race they give it their all.

What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?

Matt Greear, my assistant coach, has been a great positive influence on the team. His physical/health education background has help diversify our training program.

What role do your parents have with the program?

Parents along with the Freeport Running Boosters have been very supportive of our program. They help us raise monies to maintain and improve our home course. They also provide funds, food, and moral support for our runners.

Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?

Chandler Vincent and Erik Brobst have set the tone for the year. They do what is expected at every practice and then encourage others to do even more.

Every state championship team seems to have a special or unique makeup that makes them state champions. What were some of those characteristics of this year's team?

They love to run! And running is fun!

What are your expectations for next year's team?

As always, I expect all of my runners to improve, from the last to the first. We have more depth on the team than in years past. With Henry Jaques leading the way, we should be able to still be one of the top teams in our class.