Auburn, ME – Taking over a program can be a tough transition for anyone. Taking over a relatively young program can be more of a challenge. Enter Brian McDonald, who recently took over the Track & Field and Cross-Country program for the Mustangs.
A graduate from the University of Maine, McDonald earned his Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and a Master's degree in Exercise Science. During his studies, he worked as a speed, strength and conditioning coach with the hockey, football and track teams. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, USA Olympic weightlifting level 2 coach and an FRC mobility specialist. He has worked with athletes of all levels to stay injury free and meet their training goals. Most recently, McDonald has worked as an assistant Cross Country and Track & Field coach at Cape Elizabeth High School focusing on throws, sprints and relays.
After being named the head coach at CM, McDonald was excited to work with very high-level track athletes that were already on campus. "Track and Field has a lot of events, which requires a lot of athletes to help each other train and progress, but also to have a well-rounded team." By taking over a young program, McDonald has the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. He envisions the program resembling the best aspects of all the teams he has been associated with in the past. As a coach, he understands that hard work and discipline are the backbone of the system. Intentional focus on improving the small aspects of an event, and learning to master the body positions and generate as much ground force as possible is everything at this level. McDonald adds, "track and field also happens to be the most fun collection of sports and athleticism I have ever been a part of."
Coaching student-athletes at this level is not just about developing them as athletes, but as the whole person. "Some of my most powerful moments in life came because of coaches giving me valuable feedback, encouragement or direction when I needed it the most." Creating a family atmosphere will be crucial and Coach McDonald is already looking forward to team building activities and dinners that will bring the team together and work as one.
Heading into his first summer offseason as head coach, McDonald has already given his current student-athletes a strength and conditioning program. The team is starting with three weight room days and three track workouts until they hold voluntary summer practices in July. McDonald says there is already excitement within the team, "Buzz has started in our group chat about the speed work and weight room focus which feels so exciting!"
Look for Coach McDonald at local high school track meets as he continues to recruit to build this program. He believes that a lot of high school athletes don't realize they still have opportunities to compete in the sport. Within Maine, there are a lot of hidden and underdeveloped talent and McDonald is determined to find those student-athletes. With his dedication and excitement for the position, there are no limits to where this team and program can reach!
