Brian Phillips always knew Margaret Richards (pictured right by Scott Rigler) would be a perfect fit for cross country.
The Broadway High School senior was good enough in outdoor track, qualifying for the Group AA meet in both the 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters as a sophomore, but she was one of those runners that just seemed to be built for longer races. She didn’t have the blow-you-away kick that true 800-meter runners have, but she was the type that seemed to be able to keep the same pace forever.
All Phillips, the BHS cross country coach, needed to do was get her away from the marching band.
“I pretty much had to keep bugging her and bugging her and bugging her,” Phillips said.
In her senior year, he was finally successful, and – after quitting the band – Richards proved him right, winning the Massanutten District girls’ cross country individual title.
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Brian Phillips always knew Margaret Richards (pictured right by Scott Rigler) would be a perfect fit for cross country.
The Broadway High School senior was good enough in outdoor track, qualifying for the Group AA meet in both the 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters as a sophomore, but she was one of those runners that just seemed to be built for longer races. She didn’t have the blow-you-away kick that true 800-meter runners have, but she was the type that seemed to be able to keep the same pace forever.
All Phillips, the BHS cross country coach, needed to do was get her away from the marching band.