DanM wrote:
https://pepperdine-graphic.com/pepperdine-cross-country-track-athletes-describe-misconduct-of-former-coach/
If what is being described is true, then it certainly was very inappropriate behavior by the coach. Some of the things she supposedly said are almost shocking. But should she have been fired, or should she first have been given the opportunity to understand how and why her behavior and words were wrong, then given some training to make changes. Granted, it's surprising anyone doesn't know in this day and age that those comments are completely inappropriate. Still, some people need a little help figuring it all out.
Related, though by no means justifying the coaches behavior, it is interesting that almost all of these complaints that have come out in various college cross country and track programs, come predominantly from low performing or often injured athletes. This appears to be even more prevalent at mid-majors.
There is the expectation of "having fun" (based on comments), being given constant attention, being given all the benefits and fun opportunities, whether earned or not, and not wanting the environment to be too serious, etc.
I haven't heard of these complaints really from other sports either. It seems these issues are mostly in cross country and track & field, predominantly distance runners, and more often women than men (though that seems to be balancing out lately).
Overall, I would think coaches from many/most other sports are far more harsh than cross country coaches. I would also think they are generally far harder on their athletes.
So is some of this trend because distance runners are more independent?, possibly wimpier?, less accountable?, more know-it-all?, more sensitive? and more reactionary? Not saying this is true, just looking for some understanding why this seems to be mostly a distance runner thing. Or does the multi-gender coaching play a factor (coaching both men and women simultaneously and having men and women essentially on the same "team")? Or do larger rosters of a wider range of performers that may not even make the team in another sport play a factor? Why is this such an increasingly common distance runner situation?