The community came together to vote for Kris Keppel, but in the end getting the most votes was just not enough for the Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach as he just misses winning a national award.
Instead, Brooks Running Co. named Renee Williams-Smith of Manhattan Beach, California, as its Inspiring Coach of the Year.
Williams-Smith joined what was then a male-dominated cross-country team at Mira Costa High School 40 years ago, and helped launch the girls program there that she coaches today. She has maintained an inclusive coaching philosophy and a steadfast commitment to daring girls to strive for greatness, according to a release.
“Running is a sport of firsts,” said Brooks Running chief executive Jim Weber, in a release. “Whether it’s your first step out the door, signing up for your first race, crossing your first finish line, or bringing home your first medal, achieving new things is in the DNA of our sport. Renee’s track record of firsts in the running world and her passion to create opportunities for all young athletes to experience success in cross-country and track inspired each one of us at Brooks.”
Part of the contest included a chance for fans to vote for their favorite coach through a Facebook campaign that Keppel ultimately won with more than 13,000 votes. He traveled to Seattle for the ceremony, which honored all the nominated coaches for the work they put into their sports.
“Coach Keppel did not win the Brooks award,” Land O’ Lakes principal Ric Mellin reported on Twitter. “He did win the national popular vote and is the uncontested winner in our eyes.”
Williams-Smith and her Mira Costa Mustangs receive $10,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $2,500 cash to use for team expenses. She also will become a member of the Brooks Inspire Daily program comprised of coaches, elite runners and other running influencers, as well as a trip to the 2015 Brooks PR Invitational, a national track meet that showcases the fastest high school running talent in the country.
Finalists like Keppel received $5,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $500 cash for team expenses, as well as membership into the Brooks’ Inspire Daily program.
Brooks chose Williams-Smith from a group of 25 finalists after current and former athletes, parents, fellow coaches, faculty and community members cast more than 45,000 votes via social media for the coach they found most inspiring.
