The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Head Coach Sean Brady: Leading 14 years of success

    Head track & field/cross country Coach Sean Brady is entering his 14th season at Southeastern. During those fourteen years under Brady, 81 student-athletes have qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regionals and 17 student-athletes have competed in the NCAA outdoor Track and Field Championships.

    Brady started his coaching career at LSU in 1996 as a volunteer assistant. After two seasons, Brady went to Utah State in 1998 as an assistant coach. During his time there, Utah State won two Big West Conference Championships. In 2002, Brady became the head coach of Southeastern and under his tenure Southeastern student athletes have set 50 new school records and continue to break more. During the 2009 season, Brady saw three school records broken and five athletes qualify for the NCAA Mideast Regional. He also went on to win Southland Conference Coach of the Year that same season. Coach Brady talks about the team and how he has achieved success in his career.

    The Lion’s Roar: How do you feel about this upcoming season for the team?

    Sean Brady: I’m very excited about the prospect of what both men and women’s teams could do this season. Our men’s team is loaded. Although we don’t have the depth of teams in the past; this is the best group of individuals in my 15 years as Head [track & field/cross country] Coach at Southeastern.

    TLR: You are entering your 14th season as Head Coach of the track & field/cross country teams, how does that feel?

    SB: Time passes quickly. It’s hard to believe that this is going on 14 seasons. The original plan was to stay for a few years, build the program and move on. Every year our teams got better and better. We had it; scholarships, assistant coaching positions and finally a beautiful track facility. Being a part of something and seeing our teams grow and prosper has been really special. Also, living in Southeast Louisiana has some perks. It is home and a pretty good place to be.

    TLR:  What do you think is different about coaching here at Southeastern than other schools you have coached?

    SB: Every university has their strengths and certain challenges. There is a certain amount of familiarity coaching and recruiting at Southeastern. Southeastern is home. I am a proud alum and bleed green and gold.

    TLR: What method of coaching have you developed that gets the results you have gotten out of your athletes?

    SB: My core coaching philosophy has never changed yet each new team and each athlete have different needs. I have a more humanistic style of coaching. I try to keep things very positive, very real and honest. Coaching athletes from our region takes patience and understanding. Work hard, train smart, don’t bury your athletes with unnecessary stress.

    TLR: How do you recruit student athletes and what do you look for in a student athlete?

    SB: The recruiting profile has changed over the years some. First thing we look at is the student athletes’ transcripts and test scores from high school for junior colleges. We have had great success recruiting great athletes, not necessarily the best in their respective event. We believe if we can continue to get the best athletes, we will be successful. We have a very talented staff who knows how to coach and teach them to be great sprinters, jumpers and throwers. The intangible traits that every great athlete also plays a part in who we do and don’t decide to recruit.

    TLR: The 2009 season saw you win Southland Conference Coach of the Year, three school records broken and five student athletes were NCAA Mideast Regional qualifiers. What was special about that season?

    SB: The 2009 season was so special because it was a team of journeyman blue-collar athletes. The guys on the team worked harder than any group I have ever coached. It was the first championship Southeastern had won since joining the Southland Conference. Additionally, the meeting was one in the most dramatic fashion. It came down to the men’s 4 x 4 relay and we had to beat the best team in the conference and one of the best teams in the NCAA. Our guys found a way to do something special when their names were called. They won the race and the meet by one half of a point. It was truly one of my favorite experiences as a head coach.

    TLR: When did you decide to get into pole vaulting?

    SB: I have always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Pole vaulting was a natural fit. I started as a sophomore in high school to get out of some spring football practice. Once I figured out how to turn upside down, I was hooked.

    TLR: You went to school here at Southeastern and competed in pole vaulting. What was that like?

    SB: My experience as an athlete had great influence on me wanting to come back. Great coach in Andy Thiel and I made meaningful and lasting friendships while part of the team. 

    TLR:  Did going to school at Southeastern influence your decision to coach here?

    SB:  I love the community and always believed that if Southeastern could build a facility that was on par with the other state schools, the opportunity to be successful would be there.

    TLR: You used to play football at Northwestern State as a defensive lineman, what was that like?

    SB: I played football at Northwestern as a defensive back. I doubt [an] 180 pound kid would be ready for the defensive line. It was a great experience and taught me so much about concept of team. Had it not been for a series of injuries, I may not have continued to pole vault. Life works in mysterious ways. For me, as well as many athletes that are drawn to the sport of track and field, the intrinsic rewards seem to outweigh the love of the locker room and true team participation I found in football.

    TLR: Why did you decide to start coaching after playing in college?

    SB:  It wasn’t long after becoming a college student athlete that I decided to pursue coaching as a profession. I love everything about it. Training, lifting, running, video review, learning and recruiting.

    TLR: What is the hardest part of being a coach?

    SB: The hardest part about coaching is the lack of time you have to pursue other passions. I love my family, travel and all the great festivals that take place in South Louisiana. Our seasons start with cross country in August and go all the way through June with indoor and outdoor track. It’s a long season and leaves little time to pursue your other interest.

    TLR: Did you always think you would be this successful as a coach?

    SB: I always believed I would be successful. Even when our teams were not very good. I have always had confidence in myself and believe if I surrounded myself with like-minded people then great things are possible.   

     

    Courtesy of Mike Kiral

     

     

     

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