Southwest  Head cross country coach Ryan Salem won the 2019 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year for the state of Nebraska by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. 

“It is nice to be recognized after a very strong season,” Salem said. “But really, the credit goes to the kids because the boys team was not only very athletically talented but also they did such a good job of taking care of each other.”

The boys finished their season as state winners with senior Tyler Boyle making the school history by running the fastest time for the 5K with the time of 15:54.7.

“Before the meet, Salem gave us a really good talk like he normally does,” Boyle said. “We were by far the favorites to win the meet but he didn’t want us to be just satisfied with that. He wanted us to make sure that we ran to our full capability and told us that no matter what, if it hurts, if you feel like slowing down, just tell yourself to be better.”

Southwest teacher Dr. Ted Larson, who was Salem’s cross country coach in high school and is now his assistant, is very proud of his former student’s achievement. He calls the Southwest cross country team a family and is sure the program is much more than just a sport award for what it gives to coach Salem.

“I think coach Salem is doing an excellent job,” Larson said. “He is very smart. He uses the latest research, he is very intuitive, he works well with all types of athletes, from the champion runners to the person who is just beginning and gets lost on the course. He really provides a home-family environment so it’s much more than just a sport.”