Brookwood’s new coach discusses role

Brookwood’s new cross country coach is determined to have her athletes show up in shape when they return to school next August. Tiffany Nunnally wants her team to be prepared to navigate the grind that is the fall season.

“I really want to try to get them running this summer. I don’t think they’ve traditionally done that, had summer training,” Nunnally said. “I work year-round at the school since I’m in the office. I figured I’m there anyway, some of these kids are going to come meet me a couple of times a week and we’re going to get them in shape and try to prevent injury. I feel like they come back and immediately try to run several miles at a time and they haven’t been doing that. Being a runner myself, I know that’s what leads to injuries.”

Nunnally takes over a program that is comprised of a boys and girls team; middle school and varsity. The middle school numbers between 12 and 15, while there are about 32 in varsity.

“We’ll see come August if all of those follow through,” Nunnally said. “I’m super excited. It’s significantly bigger than it has been in the past few years.”

One of Nunnally’s athletes is her son, rising senior Isaac Nunnally, who was instrumental in talking his mother into succeeding Sean Lendetta as head coach.

“I love running, I love Brookwood and I love the kids there. I figured I couldn’t go wrong,” Nunnally said.

Brookwood headmaster Randy Watts added, “Coach Nunnally is truly an outstanding person. She has a deep knowledge of and experience with running, fitness and nutrition. Further, her relational skills are unparalleled. I am excited for the direction of our program and the team culture that she will create.”

The cross country season starts August and continues through the end of October. The Georgia Independent Athletic Association Class 3-A state meet is Oct. 28.