Nick Cerofeci
Staff Writer
It is a real honor to work with someone who is a master at their craft. The cross country runners get to work with a master almost every day. Mira Costa alumni and olympic runner, Jeff Atkinson, has returned to Costa to help out with the cross country team.
Atkinson volunteers every week and is a big inspiration at cross country practices, according to freshman runner Baker Harrington. Atkinson placed tenth in the Olympics in 1988 in the 1500 meter race.
“Runners are responsible for their own destiny, and what they accomplish corresponds with how hard they work and strive to achieve their goals,” Atkinson said.
According to freshman cross country runner Greg Moore, the team is very thankful to be able to be critiqued and encouraged by someone as experienced as Atkinson. The former Olympiad is known as “Uncle Jeff” among the cross country team.
“Atkinson knows the sport thoroughly and the best course of action for us to take,” Moore said. “He has inspired me to push myself and become a better runner.”
According to freshman Cy Chittenden, the students have also learned many valuable lessons from Jeff, such as recognizing your limitations, pushing yourself hard, and striving for your goals.
“He teaches kids to be a team player, to be held accountable of their actions, and to take pride in what you do,” boys cross country coach Roberto Calderon said. “He also teaches kids to stick together as a group and that there is no limit to what you can accomplish.”
According to girls cross country coach Renee Williams-Smith, she is very honored to be working with Atkinson, and she believes that having an Olympic runner present is helpful, due to his knowledge and experience.
“Atkinson is always open to adventure in running, and he also has a huge passion for it which gets kids excited,” Coach Williams-Smith said.
According to Williams-Smith, Atkinson’s impact on the attitude of the team as well as the physical skills of the young runners is obvious. He loves the sport, Costa and all the students who have a passion for running as well.
“Running has changed my life and provided me with almost every opportunity I’ve had, all of my best friends and the majority of my best experiences,” Atkinson said. “To be able to help younger people experience that is the best way I can spend my life.”
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