DUSTIN COCHRAN TALKS TO BEARCATS BEFORE THE '22 DISTRICT 2-5A MEET
In this week's MileSplit LA Coaches Conversation, we visit with Ruston cross country coach Dustin Cochran. Cochran has lead the Bearcat cross country program for the last five years.
MileSplit LA: How did you get into coaching?
COACH COCHRAN: My high school coach, Chris Campbell, was a big influence. He helped me find a love for the sport and an enjoyment in showing up every day to get better. He gave me an outlet to focus on and also kept me out of trouble. My days at Simsboro High School with him, both competing and coaching, will always be special to me.
MileSplit LA: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started coaching?
COACH COCHRAN: Success isn't always about winning a district/regional/state title. When I think back, the memories that really make me smile don't really have to do with winning. Some of the most successful kids to come through Ruston High since I've been here never even competed at district. As much as I love the state champions and all staters, the ones who show up every day with great attitudes and have a hunger to just be a part of the team and make everyone else better really stand out to me.
MileSplit LA: What is your team doing this summer to prepare for the upcoming cross country season?
COACH COCHRAN: Running. Ha! More importantly, keeping things simple and trying to have fun. Today, we ran on a hill at the park that some of the kids ran on when they were in elementary. It wasn't super structured, or ideal in "training terms", but they had a lot of fun. Midway through the workout a kid stopped me and said 'Coach, thank you for bringing us here today. This is what we needed.' Afterwards, we ate breakfast and participated in a Bible study with some of the team. These days get us ready to compete way more than any homerun workout we could hit.
MileSplit LA: Who is an athlete on your team who doesn't get much recognition, but is an invaluable member of the team, and why are they deserving of recognition?
COACH COCHRAN: Landon Byrd. He's the glue. He's the leader. He makes the team go. He's done everything from lead the warm up drills, to lead off our 4x8 at state last year. He also always has really terrible dad jokes- which I love to hear!
MileSplit LA: How has the level of coaching across the state changed since you began coaching?
COACH COCHRAN:I told someone the other day I wish my 2022 XC teams could've raced in 2019. The level you have to get to to compete for a trophy or even be top 5 in XC has risen dramatically. The coaches are doing more work to be better, and the kids are buying in. They're running faster than ever in Louisiana and it's a blessing to be a part of it.
MileSplit LA: What are the core values of your program that you stress to your team?
COACH COCHRAN: Something I love to come back to is the fact that there are only two things we can control-attitude and effort. This year we have a stable of really good human beings and they are enjoying being together. No matter what happens, I always come back to the two things I can control. I show up every day and I try to bring my best. Whatever it is that day, and hopefully set a good example for the kids.
MileSplit LA: As a whole, what is the outlook for your team this season?
COACH COCHRAN: I once read that when you plan, God laughs. Things never turn out exactly how you envision it. I get excited, just like the next person, but you never know what lies ahead. Wherever we shake out in the final standings in November will be fine. We're going to enjoy the process of getting there the best we can.
MileSplit LA: What accomplishments are you most proud of in your coaching career?
COACH COCHRAN: I'm just proud to be able to coach and hopefully leave kids with lessons that last the rest of their lives. I've been blessed with great athlete after great athlete. From Taco to Nimmers, to Babineaux, to Lily Garrett, there has always been an athlete performing at an All-State level. Without these kids that put their heart and soul into what we do every year, there would be no accomplishments. I could care less about the trophies. I'm proud of the lives I'm seeing these kids lead after they leave the XC program.
MileSplit LA: In ten years from now, when you think back on the great performances by your athletes is there one performance in particular you think will stick out?
COACH COCHRAN: I'll never forget the 2014 XC season. I got to learn on the fly coaching my younger brother at Simsboro. When I started coaching him in 8th grade, I had no idea what I was doing and he had never ran before. Somehow, we figured it out enough and he won the LHSAA Cass B state title his senior year. I'll never forget him throwing me his gloves at 2 miles at the state meet and then opening up a 30 second gap on second place runner during the last mile. There's nothing like winning in your hometown with your family. To this day, nothing else I've experienced quite measured up to the joy I had that day. He did the work, and I got to be there for the journey.
MileSplit LA: Who have been some of the biggest influences in your coaching career?
COACH COCHRAN: Chris Campbell, Dave Anderson, Mark Hamiter, Kent Falting. They've all coached great athletes and helped shape me into the coach I am. They have all had a hand in the success I've enjoyed at Simsboro and Ruston High.
MileSplit LA: What goals do you have for your team this season?
COACH COCHRAN: Show up every day. Be happy and be together. The rest of it will take care of itself. We will get where we are supposed to get when the time is right. I've spent too much time in my coaching career stressing about our performances, good or bad. Now it's all about showing up every day, realizing we're all blessed to train and fellowship with each other, and take the results as we get them.