Vince DeGrado will make his return to the Allen County Cross Country team after missing last season to suspension. His presence at meets will be crucial in order for the Red Devils to continue the winning tradition during DeGrados tenure.
DeGrado was suspended due to an altercation where he shoved an opposing coach during the spring 2018 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.
In the initial punishment from the NJCAA, DeGrado was to be punished through the 2019-2020 season, but saw the NJCAA reverse his punishment that ended after last years indoor-track season.
I had to let go of the anger, because at the end of the day, I did mess up, DeGrado said. My thing was, punish me according to what the bylaws say. It should have been a two-week suspension, not two years.
As a coach, DeGrado has dominated the Jayhawk East. In his 14 years coaching at ACC and Cowley Community College, he has won the conference 12 times with the men and four times with the women. Last year, the men finished third in Region VI and the women finished second.
Although DeGrado has seen years of success, the rules in the Jayhawk conference have changed, in what DeGrado said is a way to even the playing field with his success. The conference lifted scholarship limitations, and has seen an influx of international runners.
Where everyone else has bridged the gap against us, is internationals, DeGrado said. Im not against internationals at all, but Im against the age. I think a 24-, 25-, or 26-year-old has no business running against 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds.
This season, the men will see a number of returners that finished third in the region. On the womens side, four girls are returning and only one newcomer signed for the Red Devils this fall. The roster may not be ideal for this season, but DeGrado said that he has coached teams swith lesser talent to successful seasons.
After missing last season, DeGrado has had time to reflect on what he missed most about cross country. What stands out the most is simply “the grind,” the hard work required by athletes to become competitively strong runner
I always enjoy the grind, DeGrado said. Yeah it causes anxiety, but I enjoy trying to figure out the team and how to adapt.
DeGrado lectures that you cant control the uncontrollables, and emphasizes a focus on what is at hand. Yes, he would have liked to have more runners, but recruiting was hit hard due to his suspension.
This season, the Red Devils have an upper hand over the rest of the conference. The Region VI meet will take place in Allen County, giving it the home field advantage.
The season may be long, and filled with numerous amounts of meets, but in DeGrado’s opinion, only two matter the conference and regional meet. And this season, DeGrado intends to see his side back at the top of the totem pole.
