A once in a lifetime opportunity surfaced for Coppell cross country assistant Jacob Benavides. An offer that he could not refuse and a chance to make a mark.
He was offered the assistant cross country coaching position at Coppell High School. Benavides had already been hired to teach outdoor education and table tennis at CHS.
“I was first offered with just the teaching job that I have, and the cross country thing came after that,” Benavides said.
Running for Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas and the University of Texas Permian Basin, Benavidez has the experience sought in Coppell coaches.
Coppell coach Landon Wren thinks Benavides being a runner himself allows him to coach the athletes to success.
“Because he has run before, he was in the kids’ shoes,” Wren said. “ Since he was a high school athlete, he understands from the standpoint of being a runner himself,”
Wren said Benavides strives to be a better coach.
“Coach Benavides always will do whatever I ask him to do. He asks questions, and provides input from what he is noticing,” Wren said. “He cares about the kids, that is the most important thing to him, but he also cares about the sport.”
So far Benavides’s experience coaching the runners has been exceptional.
“The training has been great so far,” Benavides said. “The kids make it easier, they actually go through the motions, are determined and follow the right workout, making the coaching part a little easier.”
As a coach, Benavides established a bond with the team. Having a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, he has a unique insight into the sport. Not only does it allow him to aid the runners by correcting techniques in running, but also in maintaining health.
”I try to recommend little stretches that might help a hurt body part,” Benavides said.
As a coach, he brings a different energy.
“He brings a good vibe to cross country,” junior Kenzie Marlin said. “He’s really involved. He always does the workout or the runs with us, and he’s super encouraging.”
Junior Bess Williams commends him for his commitment.
“It is encouraging to also see your coach running,” Williams said. “One time we passed him running and he gave us high fives.”
Sophomore Jose Murillo thinks Benavides helped him grow as a runner.
“He has helped me grow more mentality as he has helped me be more resilient and just overall push myself more,” Murillo said. “I can definitely see him being a great resource to the team.”
