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SPRING HILL - Jan Zadoorian wasn't kidding.
"Have a donut," said the new Springstead girls coach.
Zadoorian was talking to one of his runners after she completed a mile in the Saturday morning heat at Booster Stadium.
"We want them fat and happy," the coach said. After the comment, Zadoorian explained that he wants his athletes to eat healthy and not try to be thin. He said that once they're into running many miles in practice, they will burn the calories they pick up with donuts.
The veteran from New York state isn't going to be a laid back coach.
"Don't lie down," Zadoorian yelled to a runner on the track. "Never show weakness."
Zadoorian has 12 girls on his team but only one, Gabrielle DeCristofaro, ran last year. The Eagles have just one senior, DeCristofaro, three sophomores and eight freshmen.
Zadoorian is among those coaches who looks at every detail. He checks the internet and prints out information on the state course at Little Everglades Ranch near Dade City and times on the top runners in Class 3A.
The Eagles were to compete in the 24th annual Red Mule Runners Labor Day McKethan Lake 5K. The recent race serves as a warm-up for preps and a chance to go against adults and college runners.
The regular cross-country season begins Sept. 10 in the Land O'Lakes High School Invitational at Crews Lake Park.
Zadoorian includes on his schedule not only the Nov. 11 state meet but the Nike Team Nationals, December 3 in Portland, Ore.; and the Foot Locker Finals, Dec. 10 in San Diego. He hopes he can take Springstead to the nationals some day but for now directs the girls to run in the 100-degree weather. The coach said he's aiming his team toward running well in its regional this year.
"I don't think the kids are used to having this program thought of as a big-time program, comparable to football, comparable to basketball or softball," Zadoorian said. "This is the way I operate. I want them to feel quality. They can feel good about themselves." Zadoorian said Marsh Sellars, a prep coach in Elkhart, Ind., started the running program he uses. "I think it's the finest in the world," Zadoorian said. "I've used a lot of programs, and this is the most progressive." His harriers are starting to buy into Zadoorian's program, especially DeCristofaro. "I just enjoy running," DeCristofaro said. "It's relaxing. It gives me a goal outside of school."
The senior likes her new coach. "I think he's great," she said. "It's a different approach from any other sport. He is conditioning and training us in a totally different way."
Sophomore Richelle Dwyer agrees.
"I think he's a great coach," she said. "He pushes us to do our best. He supports us. He believes we can do it."
Rachel Flynn said Dwyer helped get her into cross country. "I think I like running," Flynn said. "He (Zadoorian) pushes us. I like the organization." Freshman Yolanda Lopes ran a 6:32 mile and is very ambitious.
"I need more help with my running," Lopes said. "I want to be a world class runner. He pushes us but he is really nice. I enjoy running with everyone. I want to go to the Olympics."
Zadoorian is not sure how his runners are reacting to him.
"It's hard to say now," he said. "We'll see who's left standing. We have a theme this year, "Dare to be different," and we will see how tough they are. We try to do things the right way. I think we are already successful. We have one of the bigger teams right now. The dream is always to be the best in your area, your district, your region, your state."