A New Chapter

The Co-Coach Duo

​When Dusty Robinson and I started the Delta Hawks in January of 2019, we had a clear mission that remains today – Develop the next generation of confident and competitive distance runners in the Sacramento region. This year we have seen that mission fulfilled more completely than any season we’ve had since our beginning.  One of our unique advantages has been our focus on community – not just PRs. 

When Coach Dusty moved to Redding in Spring of 2020, it was my turn to take the lead.  The first thing I did was build a team of coaches to help manage the team.  I focused on the practices and we had a team of  coaches all pitching in to ensure the success of the team and of our community. 

In 2021, Eric Thronson reached out to me about having Elias join our team. One of the specific things Eric shared with me for the reason they were so attracted to the Hawks was our spirit of community.  I am so proud of that!  Eric and Tara with Elias and Josie have seamlessly entered into our Delta Hawks community. Our Parent Community received Eric and Tara with open arms. This Delta Hawks Parent Community is one of the greatest strengths of this team.  When I see parents attending and even participating in practice, and developing those new friendships, it makes me so proud. 

Learning more of Eric’s journey, his experience as a top tier Division 1 distance runner, and his sharp mind, I quickly saw a future partner in coaching.  His skill set compliments mine so well – as in, he’s got the goods I don’t have!  We spent the first track season learning more about each other.  Then in Cross Country we hit our “Co-Coach” stride and things got really fun!  And, Eric was our fearless leader flying our Hawks into the wet and stormy USATF Junior Olympics Cross Country National Championships in Kentucky.

This season, with my son Matthew needing a break, Eric stepped up to even more of a leadership role, giving me the confidence to miss a few practices and meets for other family obligations.  I’ve said it before, this is the best coached season we’ve had yet. The Personal Records and improvements we are seeing in each athlete is a direct result of Eric's leadership and training expertise.  Eric is a true coach who understands both the art and science of training distance runners. 

With Eric’s experience, his success in delivering results for our athletes, and with a new generation of parents in our Delta Hawks community, I believe this is the best time for me to step down as a coach for the Delta Hawks. As hard as this will be, I am excited to join and engage more with our Parent Community that has been one of our greatest strengths.  I am so confident in our community, our coaching staff, and our future.  

I will not disappear!  I will be attending practice as a dad excited to watch my son practice and race.  I will be cheering on the sidelines with the rest of our Parent Community.  And, most importantly, I will be lifting up coach Eric and the rest of the coaching team as they lead our young Athletes.  I will also be working on developing the future leadership of our team by building out a Delta Hawks Team Board.

Our mission will remain: To develop the next generation of confident and competitive distance runners in the Sacramento region.  Because of the success of Eric and our coaching team, my participation in that mission will change, but my dedication to that mission remains as strong as ever.  Fear not, the public will still hear me cheering for our Delta Hawks a mile away. 
 
#WhoFlysWeDo

Coach Phil