Scouting Report: Timpanogos

Scouting report interview with Timpanogos head cross country coach Jody Benson. The Timpanogos boys have been a national powerhouse program for the last several years with nationals appearances and state titles in Utah, while their girls squad has not been far behind them as one of the top performers in the state.

Top 7 Boys Returnees

1Timpanogos (UT)93
1) Brennan Benson15:17.309
2) Ben Berlin15:30.7014
3) Anthony Ortiz15:32.0017
4) Spencer Robinson15:38.2021
5) Kolten Bramall15:49.2032
Average Time: 15:33.48 Total Time: 1:17:47.40 1-5 Split: 31.90
6) Bryce Hugh16:03.4050
7) Tyler Weber16:03.8052


Top 7 Girls Returnees

2Timpanogos (UT)142
1) Madison Moffit18:09.2012
2) Taylor Viertel18:28.6028
3) Holley Vanschouwenburg18:32.8031
4) Brooke Mashburn18:38.3035
5) Raechel Hunsaker18:39.4036
Average Time: 18:29.66 Total Time: 1:32:28.30 1-5 Split: 30.20
6) Ashlyn Patterson19:41.20114
7) Ashlyn Baker20:00.00138



Q&A Interview with Coach Benson (Timpanogos)

How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?
18 Years at Timpanogos

What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?
I love the Athletes and know that what they learn from Cross Country and track will help them throughout their lives.

What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?
Help the Athletes commit to each other and when times are tough they can lean on each other for support.

How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?
Boys return 5 and Girls return 5.

Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?
Boys. Brennan Benson 12, Ben Berlin 12,  Tony Ortiz 12, Kaleb Paulsen 11, Tyler Weber 12, Spencer Robinson 12, Kolten Bramall.  But we have 12 boys that will be in the top 7.  
Girl Madi Moffi'tt 12, Taylor Viertel 12, Holley VanSchouwenburg 12, Brooke Mashburn 10, Ashlyn Patterson 11, Sidney Preator 10, Shelby Hickman 11

Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?
Boys Captains: Brennan Benson, Ben Berlin, Tyler Weber, Riley Welker.  
Girls Captains Madi Moffitt, Holley VanSchouwenburg, Morgan Farley, Kate Pinder
They all set a great example of hard work and dedication. They all bring something to the team.

Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?
Kaleb Paulsen has been a big surprise, he moved from California last year and did good as a Sophomore but he has really worked hard by running with the Varsity boys and now is one of the top runners

Any impactful freshmen or transfers to join the team this season?
Sidney Preator has moved from Minnesota, she will make a big difference as she gets use to the Altitude. 

What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?
We will be going to Bob Firman and Utah County Invitational.

What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?
The biggest challenge will be staying healthy and the long season.

What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?
One of our favorite Pre season workout is Squaw Peak.  4.25  mile hill push with 1600 ft elevation gain. Starting at 5000 ft and going up to over 6600 ft. 

What is a favorite annual or common mid-season workout for your team?
One of our favorite season workouts is Partner 400's.  12-16 400's with the rest of your partner running a 400. 

What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?
Our goals are sub 30 second gap between 1-5 and sub 45 second 1-7.
Qualify for Nike Nationals.