Passing on the Baton

Math teacher Ryan Colburn grew up watching his dad, Larry Colburn, coach high school track and field athletes. Now he’s becoming the assistant varsity track coach at SME.

Ryan ran track for four years as an East student before coming back to coach. In the years between, he was the head track coach at SMN and had 15 athletes win state championships. After 15 years at SMN, Ryan is glad to be back where he started.

“It’s fun being around high school track athletes, there’s a camaraderie among the coaches and athletes,” Ryan said. “I’m looking forward to being a great assistant coach who can assist my head coach and help her be the best she can be.”

His dad coaching has been coaching since 1969. At one point, the two coached at competing schools, but the duo never let wins and losses get in the way of their bond.

“He made a trophy for me to remind me that this is sometimes a tough job,” Ryan said. “You don’t always see the benefits of what you’re doing right away, but if you continue to work at it, good things will happen. To stay with it, to stay focused, to enjoy it.”

Not only did Ryan follow in his dad’s coaching footsteps, but also in teaching. Larry taught and was a substitute teacher up until last year. Since he first started teaching, Larry believes that Ryan has showed him new methods of communicating with both students and athletes.

“He does a good job of motivating athletes. His students know that he’s concerned about them too.” Larry said. “I think he might be more personal with his athletes than I was”

Ryan’s method of coaching includes emotional connections with each of his athletes. He believes the change will be hard for the athletes, but the team will be able to work together to overcome any differences.

“One thing I want my athletes to know from day one is that have their best interest at heart,” Ryan said. “A little part of me celebrates with them when they are successful but also hurts for them when they’re not.”

Despite sometimes competing against each other, the two learn from each other, bonding as they go. Larry is proud of Ryan for keeping the tradition going through generations.

“In track and field you’d say I’m passing him the baton,” Larry said.