Coach Jeremy Pallone – De La Torre, also known as Coach “Jdel,” is the new cross-country head coach. He has been involved with the school’s cross country program for the past 3 years as an assistant coach alongside previous head coach, Mr. Jon Svenson.

Since becoming head coach, the cross-country team has participated in two Maui Interscholastic League meets.

“I thought they did good,” Coach Pallone – De La Torre said of their performance at the Baldwin Invitational on Saturday at Keōpūolani Park. “They pushed really hard, and the heat was definitely a factor today…they have fight in them.”

Along with the skill of each of the runners, Coach Pallone – De La Torre also brings his own strengths to the team.

“I bring intensity, mental toughness, and I’m also very vocal to the team,” Coach Pallone – De La Torre said. “I bring tough workouts everyday for the kids, and we do psychological exercises to build their mental strength. For example, we have words of the week, and we go over a word, and I want to hear what they think about the word.”

But, itʻs not all work, work, work.

“I always tell them the most important thing is to have fun,” Coach Pallone – De La Torre said.

Returning runner Lily Gavagan participated in the race on Saturday.

“It was really hot today,” she said, “much hotter than the last meet [August 22].”

Gavagan said she has not had any trouble adjusting to the new head coach.

“He’s really good,” she said. “He prepares us different and really motivates us.”

Gavagan explained how Coach Jdel helps them.

“He really encourages us, and he also shows us new techniques,” she said. “He also teaches us discipline, to be humble, but at the same time to take pride in our school.”

This year, Gavagan said, she looks forward to improving overall as a runner.

“I just want to get better by running as much as I can and learning new techniques.”

Gallery • 5 Photos

Photo by Kainoa Deguilmo

Jasmine Corn and Lily Gavagan run their first lap.