Local Sports

Dustin done

Coach leaves legacy of success

After 13 years of dedicated service to the track and cross-country programs at Warren Area High School, Kevin Dustin is retiring from coaching.

Dustin's commitment to each program fostered great success year in and year out from a performance perspective, but also helped develop positive relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

"The number one thing I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with athletes, parents and other coaches," Dustin said. "Those positive relationships will outlast any season accomplishment. But from an accomplishment standpoint I’m most proud of every district qualifier, every state qualifier, every district and state medal we have brought home. Qualifying three different girls teams to states in cross country and finishing as high as fourth in the state is a great highlight. The year we also qualified a boys and girls team at the same time to state in cross country was a great year. I’m also proud of our kids and staff that helped get six new school records up on the board in track and field."

Instilling a positive environment for athletes to be successful was one of the foundations of Dustin's philosophy. He believed that implanting a family-like team culture within each team mixed with a "believe-in-yourself" mentality would set up each kid to reach their greatest potential.

"I think some of the biggest accomplishments that personally mean a lot to me that aren’t always seen is helping kids see their potential and that they are capable of so much more than they think," Dustin said. "Running was a tool to show them this, but I’ve had a lot of kids who thought they were not good enough who buy into an idea, start to believe in themselves, and turn into amazing athletes. To take someone who was struggling with whatever and teach them to persevere and succeed is something they will carry with them forever and having some impact on that means a lot."

Being a coach of two programs for over a decade means Dustin instilled his philosophies into hundreds of kids, but even an experienced coach such as himself can learn a thing or two. "Over the years, I learned patience, compassion, and that every athlete is different and has different needs to succeed," he said. "As much as I hope to have taught the kids over the years, they have taught me just as much."

Thirteen years is a long time to be a coach. Dustin reflected on his approach from when he began to when he finished noting success comes in more forms than just accolades.

"When I first started coaching I was more results driven. It was work hard, see results, that’s success," he said. "Very quickly I learned that the impact goes way beyond that. Success was of course doing well in the sport still, but it was about the positive effect you had on your athletes lives, not just their athletics. Were you setting a good example for them, were you helping them be their best in every aspect of their life. Once you show an athlete you care about them regardless of their performance it frees them up to really go after their goals. That was an aspect I didn’t start with initially, but was grateful I learned quickly."

Taking over the reins for the cross-country program is Michelle Johnson, who brings many years of experience to the Dragon runners.

"I’m fortunate to know the coach stepping in and have worked with Michelle for years. Not coaching was an extremely hard decision and I’ve worked hard to get the programs where they are now, but knowing they are in good hands is reassuring," Dustin said. "I know she will do a great job. My advice: have fun, make it your own, and cherish every moment. I know she already does this, but it’s still true."

Retiring from coaching was a decision not taken lightly for Dustin. He will greatly miss it, and has a lifetime of memories to reflect upon.

"There is so much I will miss about coaching. But if I had to pick something I will miss most ... it’s the athletes. There is nothing more valuable than a positive relationship and watching kids achieve things they never thought they could," Dustin said. "Some of my best memories will be the times we had major success as a program and individuals but for all those times there are 10 times more moments that mean just as much when someone set a personal best or achieved something they thought was impossible for them. The best times are all based around seeing kids start to realize their potential, setting that goal, helping them get there, and then the looks on their faces when they do it. Those moments no matter how big or small they are, knowing you helped create that happiness in that athlete for that moment, that short moment where they are filled with nothing but joy and achievement ... those moments I will miss most."