This summer Rockmont will be offering specialized Cross Country training for older campers. Led by Thomas Cason, an experienced college cross country coach and longtime Rockmont veteran, campers will receive up to eight coached morning runs and five specialized fitness sessions. Attention will be given to improving form, core strength, posture, flexibility, strength-training, and nutrition. The cross country “team” will run together in the early mornings, enjoy one off-camp run in a nearby forest, and of course, will sport a Rockmont Cross Country t-shirt.
Coach Thomas Cason has always embodied “the Rockmont Way.” As a CIT in the late eighties, Thomas was known for his integrity – he was pulled to be a Little Chief (a Rockmont tradition that has now transformed into the Paladin program), but turned himself in for inadvertently speaking, and thus breaking the silence. As a member of the work crew, he was known for getting up well before reville to start working, and then looking for “the next thing” until the sun went down. Perhaps most of all, Thomas was known for his endurance and speed. When most of us were happy to reach Eden Rock in under an hour, Thomas could reach it in under twenty minutes.
Thomas was a cross country standout in high school. At Furman University he made All Southern Conference in Cross Country and 3000m Steeplechase, while also making the Academic Honor Roll. He coached Cross Country and Track & Field for fifteen years at Furman, Davidson College, Brevard College, and Lees-McRae College. He is also a USA Track & Field Level II Endurance Coach. We are delighted to have Thomas teaching Cross Country at Rockmont.
Cross Country at Camp Rockmont is perfect for veteran runners who need to prepare for the upcoming season or for aspiring runners who want to go out for their school cross country team. Runners of all levels can improve their time and experience with two weeks of friendships, faith, and adventurous fun.
To join the Rockmont Cross Country team, or for more information, email stan@rockmont.com. Upon enrolling for any summer session, runners will need to choose “Fitness for Life” as one of their four skill choices.
Stan Wilson, Associate Director