John Cook's back in the game - helping coach Alexa Efraimson

High School Running Distance

8 years ago 05/01/2015 9:09am EDT

http://www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/index.ssf/2015/04/oregon_track_field_rundown_thu_11.html#incart_river

Ken Goe wrote:
Hickey's coaching philosophy is an amalgam of those with whom he has worked for or with over the years. Among those coaches are former Oregon coach Bill Dellinger, sprint coaches Tony Veney and Kebba Tolbert -- Hickey was an assistant when they took turns heading the Portland State program -- and Nike Oregon Project coach Alberto Salazar.
Of late, the retired John Cook, who coached George Mason to a NCAA title, and trained Shalane Flanagan and Shannon Rowbury earlier in their professional careers, has been a particular mentor.

Cook does more work on the side helping others and yet gets no fame. He worked with Leo and Rowbury, helped mentor Vig and now Hickey. Where's the love for the guy?

8 years ago 05/01/2015 9:21am EDT

re: aspiring coach

He's mot the warmest person to be around. But he is quite a character.

He's had a great coaching career.

You always have to mention Abdi Bile winning a World Championship in 1987 when mentioning Cook along with the medals won by Flanagan, Rowbury and Manzano plus the NCAA team title and many individual titles like Achon, Bile DMR plus many NCAA scorers and a string of team IC4A titles.

8 years ago 05/02/2015 1:28pm EDT

re: toro

toro wrote:
He's not the warmest person to be around. But he is quite a character.
He's had a great coaching career.
You always have to mention Abdi Bile winning a World Championship in 1987 when mentioning Cook along with the medals won by Flanagan, Rowbury and Manzano plus the NCAA team title and many individual titles like Achon, Bile DMR plus many NCAA scorers and a string of team IC4A titles.

I always admired the talent he assembled at George Mason. He is a fine coach. As for not being the warmest person that certainly would be a reason as to why he isn't appreciated.

Always enjoy your insights "toro".

8 years ago 05/07/2015 12:53pm EDT

re: Rail Trail Runner

Did Cook ever win a "NCAA title" at Mason? I don't remember that? How about IC4A title(s). I think Arkansas was too much for the best GM teams?

8 years ago 05/07/2015 12:58pm EDT

re: AW Davis

Yes, NCAA indoors in 1996. With Cook's management GMU won plenty of IC4A championships.

8 years ago 05/10/2015 2:46am EDT

re: Rail Trail Runner

Cook's, Kebba Tolbert and Chad Perry, were all mentored by Dan Pfaff. Coach Cook's success is second to none in the distance realm. It was a natural fit to have Hickey and Cook discuss ideas and best practices. Hickey will be lucky to come anywhere close to the level's that Cook has perched. Efraimson might be a good start though.

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John Cook's back in the game - helping coach Alexa Efraimson

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