Mike Pearce

Although new to triathlon coaching, I was a youth coach in Wyoming for 28 years and worked with student-athletes from age 12-18, both male and female. I would estimate 2500-3000 over my 28 years. Some I coached directly as individuals and some more indirectly in team sports. However, I will use my last 6 years of coaching at Laramie High School as my sampling of what high level coaching is to me.

I was privileged to be an assistant coach on the staff at Laramie High School in Laramie, Wyoming from the fall of 2012 through the spring of 2019. I coached both cross country for 6 seasons and indoor/outdoor track for two seasons.

My responsibilities were practice organization, work out supervision, recruiting, and motivation of the student-athletes. I actually completed most workouts with the student-athletes during XC season. This helped us monitor their progress and performance more closely.

During this time the boys XC team won six consecutive state championships. We also added two indoor track titles, one each for boys and girls and one boys outdoor track state championship. Several of our athletes moved on to compete at the collegiate level after high school.

The challenge of chasing championships is something I very much enjoy. I plan to use the same strategies and principles as a triathlon coach.

My coaching philosophy mirrors my competitive drive and the manner in which I compete as an athlete.

First, is to challenge your limits both mentally and physically. To improve daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. And as you improve, learn to enjoy the process of training and competing while striving to hit your goals and targets. I really enjoy training and I will always try to inspire that same mindset and energy in the athletes I coach. Last of all, to always give your best effort, no matter what challenges you may encounter along the way.

I also use what I call the “ Great 8 “. These are eight different principles that drive success, not just in athletic performance but in any area of life. The 5 P’s are: Purpose, Passion, Preparation, Persistence and Patience. The D’s are Discipline, Desire and Dedication. By focusing on these each and every day, an individual will find success more often than not.

And finally, have some fun along the way and be grateful and thankful for your abilities and opportunities that come your way.

I also love mantra’s. One of my favorites that I try to live by each and every day is:

Respect All - Fear None

It is definitely the basis for all that I have done and will do in my lifetime.