Inside look: Spartanburg Christian and coach Steve Conway

Team name: Spartanburg Christian Academy
Coach name (years coaching and record): Steve Conway…13th season of XC. 10 girls state titles, one boys. One girls and guys State runner-up. Also, one Spartanburg County title (2011.)
Assistant coaches: Ginny Vangsnes

Number of athletes on boys team and girls team: 14 girls, 13 guys

Top returners: Logan Morris, Courtney Trammell, Molly Suttle, Chloe Peden (girls)
Michael Burgess, Matthew Burgess, Dylan Wright, Jameson Edwards (guys)

New top runners: Girls- Brooklyn Pace, Kendyl Rogers. Guys- Tristian Correll

Expectations for the season: Both the girls and guys lost some key seniors, but both could win state again if the younger runners can progress quickly.

Where are they now: Spartanburg alumnus Steve Conway

Any major changes? No.

Uniqueness to yourself and/or team: We are different. We see the sport as a means to glorify and magnify our Lord. Our main goal is not to win but to point others to the Lord. So even if we win each meet, if we don't uphold Christian standards of conduct then we have failed.

Meets focusing on this season: Eye Opener, Spartanburg County, (SCISA) State, SCA Invitational.

Coaching philosophy: There's so much more to life than this. Having said that - the Bible commands us do our very best in everything we do. I try to walk that line between love and accountability. I wish I was better at it.

Training advice as season progresses: We can all get tired and take this for granted as the season progresses. Always remember there are millions of adults who would give almost anything to be a high school athlete again.

Athlete beliefs: Most of my athletes understand the team goals, and they understand they are here to carry each other.

Parent relationship advice: If the parents understand the critical role they play on the team, they will be a huge asset. My athlete's parents have been an integral part of our success.

Challenges: The biggest challenge for me is to get all the athletes to understand how all the training fits together - why sacrificing today will pay off tomorrow.