by Jeff Benjamin
Alan Webb is a new Assistant Coach at University of Arkansas/Little Rock
I first met Alan Webb the weekend he broke the high school record for the mile at the Nike Pre Classic. I was struck then, as I am now, about how mature he was, I would use the term, mature way beyond his years. With PBS from 1:43.84 at 800m, to 13:10.86 at 5000m and 27:34.72 at 10,000m. Alan Webb was an amazing talent, and he had huge pressures by media, sponsors, and fans. I liken his challenges to those of Jim Ryun.
That he rose above his challenges, and is using his experience to mentor young athletes, we love.
Thanks to Jeff Benjamin for this fun interview of one of our favorites.
Catching up With Alan Webb – No Easy Feat!
By Jeff Benjamin
Alan Webb is back in the Sport- Not that he ever left it.
Alan Webb, 2007, AR, 3:46.91, Mile, photo / copyright Runners Tribe
America’s Mile Record Holder (3:46.91) and 2004 Olympian recently upped himself and his family for a new career move – Joining the University of Arkansas at Little Rock staff as an associate head cross country and assistant track coach for the 2019-20 season.
Runblogrun’s Jeff Benjamin recently caught up with Alan –
RunBlogRun, # 1: What have you been doing over the past few years?
Webb: This past year I had been a part time assistant at Portland State under David Hepburn and Josh Seitz. I learned a lot from them and appreciate all of their support. I have also been going to as many coaching education courses as I can manage while raising a family with my wife Julia and now, three daughters. Joanie, 7 Paula, 3 and Gabby, 7 months.
Runblogrun, #2: How did you hear about and get the coaching position?
I looked on the NCAA job postings and saw the Little Rock cross country and distance position posted. I applied for the job. I contacted Coach Behnke directly and we started talking. I connected with him right away. I visited Little Rock and loved it. Coach Behnke offered me the job and I accepted.
Runblogrun, #3: Why did you Decide To coach The Little Rock Trojans?
Webb: When I learned about the opening I immediately did some research about e program and saw what Coach Behnke had done in the short time he has been here. This is a dream job for me. Coach Behnke has entrusted me with the responsibility of directly coaching the distance squad and see them reach their potential. It’s great because the athletes at Little Rock have so much of that potential.
Plus, Everyone in Little Rock is very friendly. People here take the time to stop and talk to you.
Runblogrun, #4: How has the Webb Family Clan reacted to the big move?
The Webb clan: Alan, baby Gabby, wife Julia, Joanie, Paula, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Webb: They are excited to come to Little Rock. It has been the answer to our prayers. Joanie’s new school, Christ the King, is just down the road from our apartment. Joanie and Paula are both excited to have a pool at the apartment complex. They both are learning to swim. Julia has already made some running friends on Instagram that live in the area.
Runblogrun, #5: I assume that goals for the team are long term – what are your short & long term goals for the team?
Webb: Short term goals are to improve. If everyone on the team can be better than when they got here then we can improve on where the finished last couple of years. The last year since Coach Behnke took over he has not only made changes in the coach staff but made big strides in recruiting by bringing in 17 freshman women. It is going to be exciting to see everyone get better.m. Long term In 2-4 years we can be competing with the top Sun Belt teams and begin setting goals for qualifying to the NCAA finals both as a team in cross country and for individuals on the track.
Runblogrun, #6: Do you have any assistant coaches?
Yes. Meg Joiner is XC/distance grad assist.
Here is the full Staff:
JP Behnke. Head Coach/Director of Track & Field and Cross Country
Charles Johnson. Assist Throws.
Rosin Amenebede. Assist Hurdles.
Derek Jacobus. Grad Assist Multis.
Lexi Jacobus. Vol. Assist Pole Vault.
Meg Joiner. Grad Assist XC/Distance
Alan Webb. Assist XC/Distance
Here is a link to our rosters:
Men’s roster
https://lrtrojans.com/roster.aspx?path=mcrosstrack
Women’s roster
https://lrtrojans.com/roster.aspx?path=wcrosstrack
Runblogrun, #7: What kind of training regimens will you be incorporating?
Webb: It going be a balance training program. Both Speed and aerobic strength workouts with proper spacing to allow recovery. Moderate and appropriate mileage based on each athletes history. Cross training with swimming/biking and body weight general strength circuits. The philosophy is get the athlete to the starting line fit and healthy.
Runblogrun, 8: Finally – what message would you like to send out there to any high schoolers interested in running for you?
Webb: Everything you need to be a champion is here in Little Rock. Come to Little Rock and be a champion!
Alan Webb, Jeff Benjamin, photo by Jeff Benjamin
