Photo by Sam Chandler.
Oak Mtn Cross Country
Oak Mountain runner Cole Stidfole is hoping to grab the state individual cross-country title to go with a state 3200-meter title.
When lightning strikes at the Montevallo Early Bird Twilight Classic on Aug. 28 delayed the start of Cole Stidfole’s 2015 cross-country season by two weeks, the Oak Mountain junior did not waver.
Instead, he struck back.
Fresh off his first career state title, in the 3,200 meters (9:34.03) at last spring’s 7A state outdoor track meet, Stidfole unleashed a monstrous season-opening performance at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on Sept. 12, clocking a state-leading and personal-best time of 15:49.81.
“I was just trying to run the best race that I could,” Stidfole said. “I was surprised I did so well at the first race.”
Although the performance surpassed his own expectations, Stidfole’s stellar start to the season should come as no surprise. Since his signature victory last spring, a 2-second triumph over Hoover’s Tommy McDonough, Stidfole has trained relentlessly. Determined to increase his strength and endurance, he consistently logged 50-mile weeks throughout the summer, persevering through Alabama’s draining combination of heat and humidity.
“He takes summer training very seriously,” Oak Mountain coach Kyle Dudley said. “He understands those summer miles are what are going to win him those races in October and November.”
In addition to recognizing the direct correlation between a quality summer and postseason success, Stidfole has found training motivation in his fierce competition. McDonough and Auburn’s Paul Barlow, the 2014 state cross-country champion who Stidfole considers his chief rival, will both challenge the Oak Mountain star throughout the season for 7A supremacy. But following his 3,200-meter victory and remarkable early-season success, Stidfole is keenly aware that he’s the one with a target on his back.
As someone driven by the desire to be the best, that’s just how he likes it.
“There’s a lot of pressure, it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” Stidfole said. “I knew I just needed to train a lot harder this season if I still wanted to be on the top because I know there’s guys training to beat me this season.”
To supplement his work ethic and ensure a premier podium position at the state meet, Stidfole has developed a precise attentiveness to detail. Whether it’s maintaining proper form during drills and strides, or paying special attention to his diet and sleep schedule, Stidfole is devoted to doing things the right way.
“He’s really learned how to work hard and smart,” Dudley said. “He’s learned what it takes to be successful and he’s really so driven now, and that’s kind of increased on a year-by-year basis.”
Although Stidfole aspires to claim another individual state title, his season agenda extends far beyond singular success. After the Oak Mountain boys team narrowly missed qualifying for the state meet last year, finishing three points behind Hewitt-Trussville for the third and final qualifying spot from 7A-3, the Eagles are on a quest for redemption.
“That one hurt, but looking back on it, I think it’s something that’s going to make us better as a team, and it was a good learning experience for us,” Dudley said.
Behind Stidfole, and a solid two-three combo in junior Caleb Van Geffen and senior Sean Drummond, Oak Mountain looks poised to grab one of the coveted state-qualifying spots.
But that’s not their only goal. When the Eagles toe the line at Oakville’s Indian Mounds Park for the AHSAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 14, they want to make their presence felt.
“We want to go out there and we want to be champions,” Dudley said. “We know that’s a very big goal, and it’s going to be very hard work, but that’s something we’re committed to.”
