Adams named cross-country coach for middle school, varsity
Mandy Adams has been named the new coach of the Robbinsville cross-country program.
Robbinsville – For the second consecutive year, the Black Knights’ cross-country program will begin the season with a new head coach at the helm.
Amanda “Mandy” Adams was appointed the successor to Emily Wehr by the Graham County Board of Education, following Wehr’s resignation after just one season over both the middle and high school teams.
A native of Blairsville, Ga., Adams is married to the Rev. William-Wayne Adams. The couple has two children, with both heavily involved in the Robbinsville sports culture – senior Cooper Adams and sophomore Sydney Adams.
Over the years, Adams has assisted with both the Girls on the Run program at Robbinsville Elementary School and the middle school track & field team. However, this is the first time the seventh-grade science teacher has dipped her toes into the waters of head coaching.
“I am really excited about this opportunity to be able to coach both middle school and high school cross country,” Adams said. “I feel that I am up to the challenge to coach both groups, knowing that they are at very different places with their physical and mental growth – and adapting to those needs.
“It’s important to me to have a cross-country program beginning in middle school with a foundation that they will build on as they go through high school, instilling teamwork and dedication as well as improving their running skills.”
Adams began independently running on her own while at Union County (Ga.) High School, which did not have a track & field program at the time. Her competitive nature has seen her venture into several notable 5K runs, including the Disney Princess Run at Walt Disney World and the Light the Way 5K at Dollywood.
She hopes to implement the same love that she has for running into Robbinsville’s cross country athletes.
“I’ve always loved running; it is a way I enjoy exercising, but I also enjoy it because it helps me to clear my head and feel good about myself,” Adams said. “It’s one of those sports that you don’t have to be super athletic in; it’s not very expensive and you get to meet new runners who share the same passion. Running has been a great teacher for me, in learning to set goals and reach them.”
Robbinsville’s varsity programs won state championships in cross country in both 2009 (girls) and 2011 (boys), with the girls title being the first female team state championship in the school’s history.
Since then, local interest in the sport has seemingly waned. Many of the athletes who compete simply do so to stay in shape for other athletic ventures. Though the middle school is usually chocked full of eager runners, most venture away to other pursuits by the time they reach the varsity level. Like her most recent predecessors, Adams has a plan to acknowledge the issue.
“Recruiting is going to be one of the main things I focus on as a coach,” Adams said. “I also feel that the more successful we are in terms of wins and placing higher – or even winning conference – that will also peak students interest in saying, ‘Hey, I want to be part of this.’
“I plan to work on getting them in great running shape and incorporating different types of runs at practice to improve their skills. I would also like to incorporate a more comprehensive summer training plan, so that students can get a jump on the next season and build on their foundation. An important part of the program that I would like to focus on is building a positive culture and teamwork.
“I want these kids to go through the cross country program not only to foster a love for running and improve their running skills, but to also become better humans and be successful in life.”
The Knights have struggled to even post a team score at meets in recent seasons. Last year saw a few breakout performances at the regional meet in Swain County, however: strong runners like Nathan Frederick (sophomore) and Abby Wehr (junior) should bolster the varsity roster in 2024.
“We have some talented runners coming back this year that will be very successful and some upcoming freshmen that will contribute greatly to the high school team,” Adams said. “We also have some great middle school students coming back that are going to get even better this year. These kids have a great work ethic, dedication and talent which will go a long way in their success, and I believe they will come out on top in the Smoky Mountain Conference as individuals.
“As a team, if we can get our numbers up then I believe wholeheartedly that we can be top contenders in conference. Black Knight athletes work harder and are the most competitive kids around. I am looking forward to seeing what all the cross-country athletes will accomplish this season and am honored to get to coach them.”