I have had coaches in my life, for many sports, but none have been as influential to me as Coach Herriot. Coming into high school I was unsure if I was even going to go out for track. At the time, I was far more focused on football and baseball. After spending countless hours in the weight room and on the track I can say with confidence that I made the right choice. 

Coach Herriot has been a great mentor to me over the past four years. Through it all, he has been someone I have trusted and respected during my high school career. He has taught me several life skills. I have him to thank for my work ethic and leadership skills.

He taught me that there is no substitute for hard work; he taught me leaders eat last, and to live to serve others, not to have others serve you. I have watched as he has shouldered weight and work. Although he will never admit it, that man has done so much for not only the program and his athletes but the school as a whole.

He wears many hats including being a teacher, a coach, a dad, and leading service trips. 

I was also able to bond with him over his passion for photography. While we spent time in Thailand for a service trip, he let me tag along and gave me tips on how to take better pictures in the middle of a field near Chiang Mai. I remember we both had trouble with a dog who chased out of it earlier in the trip.

I have always felt that I could approach him. Even though the tattoos, biceps, and facial hair may say otherwise, he is one of the most personable people I have ever met.  I’ve talked to him about things that I didn’t even discuss with my parents. One day in particular, I came into his room rather disheveled about a girl. He talked me through my hysterics, told me how to redirect my anger into something productive, and even brought up an anecdote that helped me through it. And that’s just who he is. An educator that cares about everyone of his athletes and students.

From the day I walked in as a wide eyed freshman to the day I leave as a senior captain I will remember and cherish the experiences I had with the Arrowhead Track and Field program thanks to one man that made it all work. He is one of the strongest and most selfless people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Thank you, Coach Herriot, for being a man I can look up to and strive to be like. I want you to know that you are a big reason I enjoyed my high school career and a big reason I am the way that I am.