Andrew Dorr has been involved in Roberts Wesleyan cross-country and track & field since 2003. He served as an assistant cross-country coach for three seasons and was appointed head cross-country coach before the 2011 season. He has also served as the distance track & field coach since 2008. Coach Dorr has a B.S. in Biology Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and a M.S. in Literacy Education from SUNY Geneseo. He also holds a USATF Level I Certification. In addition to his responsibilities at Roberts, he teaches Biology and Chemistry at Northstar Christian Academy.
After joining the coaching staff in 2008, Coach Dorr began writing training programs for the women’s cross-country team and the distance runners in track & field. He also assumed responsibilities associated with injury prevention and other auxiliary training components. Coach Dorr has worked closely with physical therapists from Rochester General Outpatient Rehabilitation to develop diagnostic, preventative, and rehabilitative programs designed specifically for distance runners in upstate New York.
Coach Dorr is establishing a culture of running at Roberts—one where training is a lifestyle and not a brief exercise session. As an athlete, he participated in 27 seasons of cross-country and track & field. He calls upon his athletic experience, relationships with top coaches across the country, and understanding of the human body to inform his coaching decisions. He considers his opportunity to work with RWC students a blessing from God and looks forward to many years as a head coach at this great institution.
Coaching Philosophy
Athletics is one of the most demanding activities in which college students can be involved. Through participation in sports, an athlete’s character, intellect, and body are all transformed. One of a coach’s major responsibilities is teaching athletes how to incorporate training and competition into their lives. A collegiate sport should never control a student athlete’s life; however, it should shape it. Every athlete must learn to balance social, intellectual, and physical needs with the requirements of demanding athletic endeavors.
The nature of cross-country requires its participants to take a long-term approach toward success. Despite our culture’s infatuation with instant gratification, there are few quick-fixes in sports that do not later prove to be quite costly. Cross-country runners must be patient and willing to put in years of training in order to reach lofty goals. Fortunately, this unique sport lends itself to all who are willing to put in significant effort and time.
An effective distance running program must include components designed to increase aerobic fitness, lactic acid tolerance, and maximum speed. Proper periodization of training helps distance runners see improvements in these domains throughout the year and prepares them for important phases of competition. Hard work pays off. However, doing too much, too quick is all too common and a recipe for disaster. Efforts must be made to maintain the health of the body during all periods of training and competition. Exercises designed to improve flexibility, pliability, range of motion, and strength imbalances must be incorporated to help maximize the effects of training. A training program which promotes continual development, maintains health, and earns each runner’s trust will prove to be the most effective.
