scrunners: Following the announcement of new Coaches Classic location, what kind of feedback and questions did you receive from coaches?
brooks: Most of the feedback has been positive primarily because every coach in the state had an opportunity to host the meet. Everybody liked the idea of the meet moving around the state. However, no one was in the position of being able to take it on this year, so the coaches understood and supported my decision to hold the meet at one of the sites I could secure.
scrunners: What kind of of preparation has gone into place for Saturday's meet?
brooks: Preparation started the day that the date and site were announced. In order to pull this off lots of coaches had to be involved with preparation. Dr. Carlos Smith of Richland One had to be contacted and approve the site as well as assisting with some preparation needs for the site, including putting down a new surface on the track for this meet. Coach Steward of Lower Richland immediately began site preparation on a daily basis; Ginger Foley of Richland Northeast started “what, when and how” deadlines on entry for the meet, payment, etc. Coach Ed Boehmke of Eastside in Taylors started putting together the computer applications for the meet. Coach John Jones of Spring Valley assisted with the ordering of awards. That mentions only a few of the hundreds of people who have helped.
scrunners: Please explain the hall of fame induction ceremony Saturday. What does the induction ceremony mean to you and the association?
brooks: It’s a credit and a tribute to those coaches and the lives they’ve touched. Those coaches have had a profound impact, not only on the athletes, but also the coaches within our organization and the development of South Carolina’s track and cross country growth.
scrunners: What time is this ceremony taking place Saturday?
brooks: The Hall of Fame induction time is approximately 1 p.m.
scrunners: For you, what does it mean to induct Seneca's Tom Jordan and Ninety Six's Cheryl Browning and in general the ceremony?
brooks: It’s truly an honor and a pleasure for me to be a part of what is obviously a legacy. An enormous amount of knowledge has been brought to the sport — for what they stand for and the impact they’ve had.
scrunners: How are events named for this meet?
brooks: The events are named in recognition and in honor of members of the Hall of Fame.
scrunners: What has been your main role leading up to the meet?
brooks: Organization, organization, organization! Assisting all of the other coaches who are helping. Assisting with preparation of the site; trying to make sure all the “I’s” are dotted and the “T’s” crossed so that we can have the best meet possible for the kids.
scrunners: What will be your main role Saturday?
brooks: Making sure the meet moves and giving out awards.
scrunners: Over your years as SCTCCCA president how have you seen the sport change and Coaches Classic change?
brooks: The Coaches’ Classic increasingly has been a great fundraiser for the Coaches’ Association. Performances have continued to get better. What a special time to recognize the contributions of the coaches to the sport and young people’s lives.
scrunners: How much help has been requested for Saturday and how many have you heard from to help with the meet?
brooks: According to our by-laws, every school involved with the meet has to participate. Many other people have been solicited and/or have volunteered.
scrunners: Do you have any important details you would like to pass on to coaches, specators and athletes?
brooks: National federation rules will be applied. Coaches remember to park your buses at the school, declare your athletes for the 400, 400 hurdles and the 4 x 4 relays. Print heat sheets before you get to the meet.
scrunners: What kind of parking is setup for Saturday?
brooks: All parking should be at the high school.
scrunners: How much is admission Saturday?
brooks: Admission is $5.
scrunners: Please explain the reason for admission and reasons why admission is charged to meets.
brooks: To help defray the cost of a meet: cleaning up the site after a meet, maintaining the restrooms during a meet, and paying officials, paying security, to name just a few.
scrunners: How have you balanced coaching, president responsibilities, job responsibilities and family responsibilities with the meet coming soon?
brooks: When much is given, much is expected. Every part of my life is part of every other part of my life. My family, my students, and my staff all contribute and consider it an honor to be a part of it.
scrunners: With the Diamond Hornet Invitational taking place last weekend, did you notice anything that will help for Coaches Classic? Please explain.
brooks: By all means. That was a great dry run for us, for lack of better words.
scrunners: With the weather causing cancellations the past two weekends, have you been monitoring the weather extra closely leading to the meet?
brooks: I certainly have been monitoring the weather for the meet, but clearly understand that it’s completely out of my control.
Other notes from Brooks: There will be security directing the teams. I would like athletes to set up on the home side of the stadium, but there is a lot of space available on the visiting side. There will be an ideal entrance, which is the one security will direct them to. However, athletes not in uniform will be charged. Athletes who leave the facility must get a stamp or they’ll have to pay to re-enter. There is no such ting as packet pickup. All packages should be brought with you. We will deal only with unfinished business.