Willow Barton
Contributing Writer
Cross country, track and field coach, and psychology teacher Jon Petter, who has worked for the district for 21 years was just awarded the title of Track and Field Coach of the Year through Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Petter’s passion for running is driven by the release it gives him from outside worries.
“It provides time for me to be me. It allows me to think uninterrupted,” Petter said.
Being able to disconnect from the outside world gives him a chance to energize himself and as Petter said “refill my cup.”
As a coach, Petter values authenticity, love, commitment, work ethic and trust.
Petter said, “ I want athletes who are going to do what they say, be honest with who they are and with others, and share their love of running and being good people with others.”
Junior, Edward Norton described Petter as a coach who “really cares about his athletes and always brings out the best in them.”
Petter said with drive any goal can be achievable.
“If you show up every day with that and are prepared to work hard and learn about who you are and what you need, you will find success in whatever you do,” Petter said.
Senior Drew Upperman said Petter helps push his athletes past their limits in ways that will benefit their running.
“It’s hard in the moment, but it makes us better… he finds a way to subtly push you without pressure,” Upperman said.
With his coaching and the skills of his runners, Petter is confidently entering this year’s cross country season.
Petter said, “ We are primed for success moving forward.”
Petter said it is a priority to keep the team engaged inside and outside of sports.
“We are a team and running family first… team comes first. Always,” Petter said.
The team takes part in team bonding where athletes engage in team dinners, games, etc.
Upperman described the culture of the team as something that “Over the years has shown many improvements.”
Whenever the team hits a rough patch, Petter reminds his runners to remain resilient and determined: “I remind them to trust the process. Running, like a lot of things in life, is a journey. We are going to have successes and failures.”
Upperman said, “He’s very supportive. He’s had a lot of experience, so he knows how to help us with these low spots in running or life.”
Through his roles as a teacher and coach, Petter is given the opportunity to connect further with his runners.
Petter said, “I think being able to ‘see’ your coach in other spaces is huge and vice versa…great role models are not (and should not be) one dimensional.”
With Petter’s presence inside and outside of school, his athletes are able to come to him more easily.
Norton said, “I’m around him most of my day. He is someone I can come to first.”
Similarly, Upperman said, “He’s not just a coach at this point; he’s more of a mentor.”
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