Mansfield University Athletics issued the following on Oct. 17
OneTeam2021 Coach's Corner: Coach Rohl
The second-longest tenure head coach in the Mansfield University Athletic Department, cross country and distance head coach Mike Rohl has been a Mountaineer leader since 2002.
Rohls's enthusiasm and passion has allowed the Mountaineers to elevate into top-level contenders in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
During his first four years at the helm, 142 new school records were broken or reset in indoor and outdoor track and field alone.
As the leader of the track and field program, Rohl has produced one National Champion, 10 All-Americans, 31 All-Region and 38 All-PSAC honorees. Rohl has instructed two PSAC Freshman Athletes of the Year and seven PSAC Athletes of the Year.
At the helm of the cross country team, coach Rohl led 38 athletes to All-PSAC honors, 17 to All-Region honors and five to immortality as All-Americans.
Individual success has continued in 2019-20, with senior Quincy Amabile and junior Lyndsey Payne each bringing home All-PSAC during cross country and freshman Christian Tanner coming onto the scene this winter, earning All-PSAC honors during indoor track and field.
In 2018-19 Ryan Clifford '19 Clifford claimed All-PSAC honors during all three days of competition at the 2019 PSAC Outdoor Championships after placing second at the PSAC Cross Country Championships and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Atlantic Regionals.
The 2013 season was an extremely special one in the legacy of coach Rohl as he coached Mansfield Athletic Hall of Famer Brenae Edwards to a National Championship in the 10Krace at the NCAA Outdoor National Champion. This followed an outstanding spring where the Mountaineer cross country team won the program's first PSAC Championship to earn Rohl PSAC Coach of the Year.Hear from coach Rohl, as he discusses the challenges faced during COVID-19, the message to his team, his favorite quote and more.
What has been the biggest challenge during a "COVID-19" off season?
A: I think the biggest challenge is finding meaningful goals. Athletes and coaches are goal setters and look for objective accomplishments to validate what they are doing. Athletes don't just train hard for vanity or health we don't go to health clubs for fun. Without measurable goals it is difficult to develop a training plan. Thankfully the team has bought into the idea of having our own "Colton Point National Championship." Once we settled on that a plan came together and everyone felt better.
What makes MU so special to you?
A: The people. There are so many people here who care who will do anything to help others and make Mansfield successful place. We are always the underdog here. Always underfunded with what seems like minimal resources. But here, we find a way - we always find a way. And, when we do find that way it can be amazing.
What is your favorite quote?
A: Everything will be ok in the end, and if it is not ok, then it is not the end. This was the mantra when I worked with Brenae Edwards. Her journey was long and hard with many setbacks. In the end she was the National Champion and, well, everything was ok. That is the way it is with all good athletes.
How has the team culture remained during the fall?
A: The kids are really adaptable and resilient. We talk about being kind all the time and now more than ever this incredibly important. They were really happy to see each other and just be able to run together.
One thing you would tell your younger self?
A: I would tell myself to be prepared: there are lot of people who will be obstacles to success for a lot of reasons, just keep moving towards excellence. Either break down the barriers, climb over or go around but don't take it personally. Don't expect it to be easy and don't think for one moment that an idea that is logical, reasonable or good will be accepted. The world doesn't work that way, but you have to keep pushing for what is right.
Original source can be found here
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