Interview: Shrine Bowl Run coach Jim Koterba

Coach Jim Koterba talks about the December Shrine Bowl Run. The event is scheduled for Dec. 21 from Greenville's Shriner's Hospital to Wofford's Gibbs Stadium.

What does it mean to you to be the Shrine Bowl Run coach? 
I am very excited to be the Shrine Bowl Coach this year.  Bob Jenkins, who I worked for as an assistant coach for four years, nominated me for the assistant Shrine Bowl Run coach position.  Coach Jenkins believed very strongly in the Shriner hospitals, cross country, and helping young people.  I feel honored to be carrying on his tradition.

2012 run coverage

What information do you have to pass on to senior runners this year?
I encourage all senior runners to get their Shrine Bowl Run application in before the due date of Nov. 5.  Participating in the run is a wonderful opportunity that I would hate anyone to miss.

What do you hope each person gets out of the run? 
I hope each person feels that they are a part of something much bigger than themselves and that they did something that brought attention to an organization that is dedicated to helping children. It's also fun and you get to meet runners from all over the state.

What was your experience with the run like last year? 
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience last year.  Everything from meeting some of the top runners in the state, touring the Shriners Hospital, driving into the stadium grounds with a police escort, and walking out onto the field as the runners presented the game ball was something that I will always remember and be proud to have been a part.  There was also a runner who had gone to the Shrine Hospital when he was a child.  To see him be able to run because of what was done for him made the day even more special.

How does the selection process work for the Shrine Bowl Run? 
Coaches of senior runners must submit an application by Nov. 5.  Runners must compete in the state cross country meet and be under the performance standards to be considered, (boys sub-17 and girls sub-20).  Then at the state meet we will go through the results and select the runners who qualify.

Is there any changes this year? 
The only change is the coaching staff.

How do you choose the runners to run the ball on the field and also start the run? 
Normally, they are any individual state champions or the fastest seniors from the state championships.

What will occur the morning of the run at the hospital and during the run experience?  
Runners and their family members will tour the hospital and see first hand what the Shriners do for the children.

How do you coordinate the transportation of the runners in this relay event?
Mark Jones, of the Shriners, sets up the police escort and the bus. The head coach and the assistant coach plan the dropoffs.