Located in North Vancouver, the Handsworth Secondary Cross Country Team is situated between Cleveland Park, Capilano River Regional Park and Upper Mackay Creek Park to name a few, which means a lot of trail running - a distance runners dream. Now add an experienced coach and dedicated athletes into the equation it is no wonder the Royals have had and continue to have great success at the provincial level and beyond.
I caught up with Head Cross Country Coach, Ryne Melcher, about his role within the program, his focus on the team aspect of the sport and what message he hopes to leave behind for his athletes.
Melcher, now in his ninth year of coaching both the cross country and track teams at Handsworth Secondary boasts a rich running background. He has represented Canada eight times at the ultramarathon World Championships.
"I got into ultra running in high school and my experience was phenomenal. My coaches were very supportive in my decision to pursue the sport and invested a lot of time in me. When the opportunity to coach at Handsworth presented itself, it seemed like the right thing to do, to give back, just like the coaches I had during my high school career."
Under Melcher's leadership the Royals have clinched individual titles at the BC High School Provincial XC Championships, in addition to a few third and fourth place team finishes and two senior girls team titles in 2022 and 2023. They even have six league titles under their belt and have had numerous athletes go on to compete at the university level, success that has been drivn from a philosophy that revolves around unity.
"Since day one we win as a team and lose as a team. We focus on qualifying for provincials as a team as it allows more athletes to get involved and have great experiences. The more we put into the team results, the more it helps the athletes bond which is great for everything, creating friendships, mental health, the list goes on."
It is no question that building a great community within a program and amongst athletes allows room for both hard work, fun, as well as a connected support system, especially as obstacles may arise with injuries or illnesses. The program's success isn't solely about achievements, but also fostering a tight-knit team.
"Things need to bend and adapt at all levels, even the high school level. I am not a fan of a one size fits all plan. Kids are doing a lot too, other sports and you need to recognize when that red line is being approached to not get injured. A lot of it too is trying to have fun at practices. We do a lot of intervals that are team based, such as relays. Again this idea of shaping a team and even if athletes aren't able to run, then seeing what else they can focus on, such as the mental side of the sport."