Solon Track Coach Reflects on His State Champion

Solon Girls Track and Field coach Brian Sabol knew a year ago that the 2012 season might end with one of his stars earning a championship.

A week has passed since Therese Haiss became one of to be named a state champion. She ranked first in the Division I Girls 800 Meter Run with a finishing time of 2:08.05. She also helped her team finish with an overall third-place tie with Dublin Coffman.

Sabol took some time, via email, to reflect on the hard work and values Therese displayed to earn the state's top spot.

Solon Patch: At what point — be it last year, early this season or even at the actual tournament — did you realize that Therese had a chance to be a state champion?

Sabol: I became Therese's coach her sophomore year. Before that I time I had only seen her run a few times (as a freshman). However, once I began working with her on a daily basis I quickly realized she was special. It didn't take long to witness her determination, dedication and work ethic. After watching her work and train all year long and placing at the State meet as a sophomore, it was then that I felt that with her drive, work ethic and natural God-given ability she could be a champion.

What about Therese sets her apart from the rest of the competition?

I think a couple things set her apart. First, she has a unique skill set in that she possesses speed, power, endurance and intelligence. She is a very technically sound runner who has a plan for every race based on the competition. Second, she is so mentally strong. She respects everyone she races against, However she starts every race believing that she can and should win.

What kind of student-athlete is Therese in practice and off the field?

I once had someone tell me, "the best athlete on your team NEEDS to be the hardest worker because everyone else will look to them to see how to act and train". Therese Haiss is exactly that. She takes on every practice as if its the most important thing she is going to do that day.

She attacks every training session making sure she gets the full benefit of every workout. Her intensity is always at a very high level. With that being said, it is amazing to me how she can simply flip a switch and become the most encouraging, supportive and compassionate teammate. She constantly cheers on every teammate at meets as well as practice. She is supportive and encouraging to everyone and for that every team member looks up to her and respects her.

The team altogether tied for third. Tell me about the team's characteristics, strengths and possibly a turning point that you feel helped them reach the heights they did this year.

I was ecstatic with the way the team performed all year and how we finished. Third in the state is the highest the Solon Girls Track team has ever finished in the history of the 's program. I feel all of are success centers around a couple things. First, we had tremendous balance. We were fortunate to excel in all aspects (jumping, throwing, sprinting and distance). That made it nice because we didn't rely on one aspect. If someone had a bad day, someone else was there to pick us up.

Second, we had exceptional leadership from our captains and seniors. They were excellent role models and very supportive. Lastly, the girls all got along so well. They were all good friends so they not only enjoyed being with each other, but also they wanted to do well for each other.