University of Maine at Augusta on the right track with Coach Gilpatrick

AUGUSTA, Maine (YSCC) - A common saying is that 'it's not the destination, it's the journey.' While this may be the case for some journeys, most runners focus on finishing their long race. However, when completing a brutal race that one's been anxiously awaiting, it is essential to recognize the hard work and determination that went behind the race's preparation. 

Everyone starts somewhere, and one's origin can play a prominent role in crossing the finish line. For example, Cross country and track and field coach Brendan Gilpatrick has had a long history of running that led him to the University of Maine at Augusta.

Gilpatrick began running in college during his offseasons of lacrosse. Through running, he was able to discover his full abilities as an athlete. Not only has it revealed more about himself physically through many races and competitions, but Gilpatrick has also been able to compete in races from 50km to 100 miles in over 20 different states and four different countries. Gilpatrick continues his trek today as he prepares for races like the USATF National 50K Trail Running Championship.

His current 40-50 mile average per week is expected to sprint to 70 miles. 

Coach Gilpatrick began his fifth year of coaching the men and women's cross country and his third year for the UMA track and field teams. After gaining eight years and counting of experience as a private coach through his business, Dirigo Endurance, he took up an assistant coaching job at Thomas College. That move led him to the head coach at UMA while also gaining his master's degree in Exercise Science and other coaching courses. 

Despite the pandemic's trials and tribulations, Gilpatrick has made sure his athletes have a determined outlook.

"With our athletes, I try to instill the mindset that you are the one who controls how hard you work no matter the circumstances and that there will always be challenges and that there is always a way through," said Gilpatrick.

Gilpatrick discussed how the most rewarding part of coaching is the student-athlete's personal realization of their full potential. Whether it is in the classroom or on the track, a coach who can say that they led them to greatness is a massive reward in itself.

On the other side, Gilpatrick notes that the most challenging parts of coaching are the opposite of the rewarding aspects. Of course, it is typical for everyone — especially college students — to make mistakes. It's about learning from the mistakes and acquiring the help one needs to avoid further failure. 

As for the aspiring coaches-to-be, Gilpatrick stresses how it is an essential process.

"Always be learning and willing to change your mind if you find a better way to do something. I know when I first started coaching, I had certain training principles I believed in and have since learned better and more effective ways of doing things," said Gilpatrick. "The second biggest piece of advice is to connect with your student-athletes. If someone knows you are invested and care about how they are doing day to day outside of their sport, they bring a better version of themselves to practice and competition."

During his time at UMA, Coach Gilpatrick emphasized how the best part has been the athletics department's social culture. He specifically mentioned how he has connected with the coaches & athletic directors like UMA's AD Jennifer Laney.

Gilpatrick has advice for the incoming student-athletes; try and hurdle all obstacles.

"Find a way to engage in your school's community outside of athletics," Gilpatrick said. "A big piece of college is about connecting with different people and stepping outside of your comfort zone. That could mean something as simple as working in the community garden or being a part of student government or another club. Those experiences are what can help you grow as an individual and to really form a bond to the community within your school."

Coach Gilpatrick and his teams are looking forward to resuming the competition as soon as possible. In the meantime, Gilpatrick has kept his spirits high and his mile times low with excitement.

"(I'm) focusing on continued growth and success of our athletic department and a return to competition in the fall for cross country."

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STORY BY YSCC INTERN Anna Allen