I seem to remember a very well-grounded young Wayne that ran with kids named Pete & Tracey Skorseth,Ray Shibilski, Randy & Kent Miller, + Keith Hanson and a host of others for Coach Behnke that stood-out for some very fine SPASH teams in the late 70's early 80's. Top 10 at the WIAA State Finals in CC as I recall despite minimal training due to family garm responsibilities. (Say "Hello" to Shelly next time you see her).
Has anyone ever stopped to look at the fine runners that have come out of Stevens Point, Wisconsin -- a town of probably less thab 50,000 yet..SPASH & Pacelli HS have won multiple state championships starting back in the late 70's - Suzy Hamilton Favor + Keith Hanson, Pete Skorseth and many more outstanding kids have created quite a winning tradition there.
I saee where the CONFIDENCE comes from...it's called HARD WORK and quality people around to REALISTICALLY support athletes.