NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The defending State Vocational Boys Cross-Country Champions, McCann Technical School, will have a new coach in the running shoes this upcoming season.

 

Eileen Monyahan is taking over the role of boys and girls head coach for the Hornets. Not only will it be her first year with this team, but it will be her first journey with coaching the sport.

 

Monyahan heard of the open position through a teacher within the school system and felt that it would be a great new journey for her to start.

 

“I thought I may be interested as a runner and as someone who has worked often with youth,” she said. “I have been a fan of McCann sports for many years, cheering on both my friends' children and friends of my children.

 

“I have seen inspiring coach and player relationships, been a part of a true sports family, and watched students develop extraordinary character and leadership skills through their McCann athletic involvement.”

 

Monyahan began running five years ago; using it as an outlet for stress. She didn’t participate in athletics in high school and even admitted that she wasn’t a fan of gym class.

 

“I needed to make some positive changes and I was fortunate enough to know some great local runners who were eager to coach me along and I grew to love the sport,” she said. “Cross country developed for me just a few years ago.”

 

She has since run 10 full marathons, several dozen half marathons, and one ultra.

 

Back in July, Monyahan participated in her first trail marathon in Minnesota.

 

“Trails challenge you in a way that’s different than regular running and those challenges can lead to a lot of personal growth and strength,” she said.

 

When offered the position at McCann she was very grateful of the opportunity. With the team winning State Voc title last season, she said she feels extremely lucky to have the chance to work with such talented runners.

 

In preparation for the season, she has been in contact with local cross country coaches: Drury’s Jim Buffoni and Benjamin Griffin at BART. She also has spent her summer running two marathons and training for several personal races that she plans to participate in.

 

“I have started adding more runs on the cross country course and Windsor Lake and added the bleachers as an extra workout and a drill I most likely will be using with the kids,” she said. “I have reached out to local coaches and they have been very helpful and 

supportive.”

 

She suspects about 20 runners for Thursday’s first practice at 3 p.m. and hopes to grow on the success of last season.