Brooks Sports, Inc. launched its second annual Brooks Inspiring Coaches program. The Brooks Inspiring Coaches program aims to bring support, awareness and a dose of Run Happy spirit to high school cross country and track and field coaches who go above and beyond to motivate their runners and keep their programs strong.
“Last year we read hundreds of heartfelt stories about amazing high school coaches from all over the nation. We ultimately honored 10 who not only motivated their runners on the track and trail, but become their lifelong mentors,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks Sports, Inc. “These coaches exemplify our mission to inspire everyone to run and be active.”
In an effort to bolster its support for coaches and their high school running teams nationwide, Brooks decided to more than double its investment in the Inspiring Coaches program for 2012. The leading running company will to honor 25 coaches and award product and monetary support to their teams.
Anyone inspired by a coach should visit www.brooksrunning.com/inspiringcoaches to nominate a current high school track and field or cross country coach. Applications will be accepted through June 29, 2012. Brooks will announce the top 25 finalists and profile them on www.brooksrunning.com during August; the 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year will be unveiled in September.
Brooks will award each finalist:
· $5,000 in Brooks performance running footwear, apparel, and/or accessories for his or her team;
· $500 cash for additional team expenses; and
· Membership into the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program.
The 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year will also receive:
· $5,000 in Brooks gear;
· An additional $2,000 in cash; and
· A trip for two to the 2013 Brooks PR Invitational.
The Brooks Inspiring Coaches program was created in 2011 after hearing countless stories of high school track and cross country coaches who volunteer their time, pay for team expenses out of their own pockets, and use the run to help keep kids positively motivated and active. Wanting to pay tribute to these coaches who go the extra mile, Brooks asked high school athletes, parents and others to share personal thoughts and stories about their coaches.
Ranked among a highly competitive field, Coach Amy Pitzel from Katy Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, was named the Brooks 2011 Inspiring Coach of the Year. Phrases like “Leads by example,” “totally dedicated” and “the glue that bonds her team like no other” made the nominations for Coach Pitzel stand out and ultimately earned her the top honor.
