Coach Hovis: I'm sure it was pretty special when you initially returned to Myers Park to coach. As most everyone knows, you had a solid career there (school record in the 3200m) and then at UNC Chapel Hill. Tell me, how you felt when you first got the job at MP?
Coach Cline: There was simultaneously excitement and apprehension. On the boys’ side, MP hadn’t been to the state meet since 96 and I knew that taking over, it was going to be a big challenge. At the same time, I felt a calling to come back and try to help the kids reestablish the pride that was once here and that I believe belongs here. It has been an exciting and fun process. It has been a real blessing having had the opportunity here.
Coach Hovis: In the 4 years that you were at Myers Park you really put them back on the map. You must feel like you are leaving behind a solid core for the next in line.
Coach Cline: These are phenomenal young men and women. Every year, we have been really fortunate in that it has continued to build and we’ve had kids develop and rise to fill gaps as student-athletes. This year has been no exception. We have some superb returning runners who are coming into their own. There are also some younger athletes that are developing that could be surprises. The boys are pretty well established and have strong depth and developers coming into the fold. The girls will graduate some great athletes but have serious young talent coming back. There is also excellent team leadership in place that is conscious of the work that has been put in by their predecessors and want to build on that Whoever comes in will have gifted and dedicated group.
Coach Hovis: Obviously this was a very difficult decision for you to make. How long did you go back and forth?
Coach Cline: It has been a desire for our family to get to the mountains at some point. I wasn’t sure of exactly when that point would be, whether 3 years or 20 years, but figured that I’d know when the right opportunity arose and the timing was right for our family and for making sure that MP had time to recruit a replacement. That said, once I had the chance to meet Principal Don Johnson, the decision was pretty easy. Strong leadership is important to me as a teacher and coach and I felt very confident that Owen would be a great place to work.
Coach Hovis: What is it about the mountains?
Coach Cline: It was a family decision. We have spent a lot of time in the mountains and hope to provide opportunities for our children that we enjoy. My wife also went to school in WNC and has a strong affinity for the mountains. Both of us actually lived in southwest Montana at one time but with the harsh winters and having invested years teaching in NC, that just isn’t in the cards.
Coach Hovis: Owen was very successful a few years back thanks to Coach Janet Pung and a group she had been coaching for awhile. They graduated that group, but currently have a young group that I know has come a long way. You must be excited about the possibilities at Owen.
Coach Cline: It is a privilege and honor to succeed Janet at Owen, she has done a phenomenal job. She has been very gracious in helping me with the transition. My comfort level was extremely high after talking with her as we are on the same ideological page. I am excited about the possibilities and it will be a blast working to build on the successes. I look forward to getting started as I feel like the sky is the limit at Owen.
Coach Hovis: How is Myers Park taking the news? Especially the athletes.
Coach Cline: It was difficult for all as we are a very close-knit family here. However, we are now focused on the imminent track season and working to achieve our goals this spring. The end of the year is when it will most difficult as that is when it will really sink in. As I said before, the timing was right for our family and for MP to have time to find a quality replacement. It has been hard but I have confidence that the team and team leadership have the pieces in place to continue to improve. They are extremely talented and disciplined. They know what it takes to be successful and will settle for nothing less
Coach Hovis: Have you found a replacement? If not, maybe this could be an advertisement? : )
Coach Cline: I know that our Athletic Director, Greg Clewis, is in the process of talking with some potential candidates. I do not know when a decision will be made. MP is a great academic and athletic school and whoever comes in will have a great group to work with.
Coach Hovis: Thanks for your time. I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say,"Best of luck up there in Black Mountain, NC". Obviously you're not leaving NC, so we'll still see you around.
Coach Cline: Thank you. I will miss the cross country and track community here and look forward to coming back to meets. Thank you for what you do to help promote this wonderful sport in NC.