Before a race, as nerves start to build, assistant track coach Jason Monstrose might crack a corny joke or hand an athlete a good-luck Sour Patch Kid. Known for his enthusiasm and athlete-focused coaching style, Montrose has quickly become an important part of the team’s culture.
Montrose brings years of experience to the girls’ track team, having previously coached at Weston High School for 20 years. During that time, he coached numerous league and divisional-championship teams. As a first-year coach at the high school, he has brought both enthusiasm and new perspectives to the team.
Montrose said his connection to the sport began in high school. Originally a football player, he began running track after his coach suggested it could help him become faster.
“I started running track and hit the mark early; I experienced a lot of success, and I think that success helped me,” Montrose said.
According to Montrose, coaching is more than winning races or championships; he focuses on helping each athlete grow and improve individually.
“Seeing people get better, for me, that’s one of the biggest highs you get, regardless of whether they’re going to be a state champion or barely qualify for a divisional meet. I enjoy helping athletes get better,” Montrose said.
Head coach Michael DeYoung said that Montrose’s enthusiasm helps shape the team environment and keeps athletes motivated.
“He brings energy and has a good way of positively motivating kids to be focused,” DeYoung said. “Under high-pressure situations, he’s really good at using humor to diffuse it.”
DeYoung also said Montrose’s ability to help athletes stay calm during challenging competitions is notable. Rather than allowing athletes to overthink their performance, Montrose often tries to shift their focus and remind them that track should still be enjoyable.
“When a kid’s really nervous before something, rather than having someone really over-calculate or focus on their jump, he just talks about something completely unrelated and reminds the kid that this isn’t the end of the world,” DeYoung said.
Senior Maliah Thompson, a high jumper and team captain, said his approach is extremely helpful for field events.
“He’s very flexible when it comes to changing your workouts or changing your approach based on your strengths,” Thompson said. “Field events especially aren’t one-size-fits-all.”
Thompson also said Montrose emphasizes the technical and mental aspects of track and field, encouraging athletes to stay curious about the sport and find ways to improve.
“He’s supportive in the sense that you’re not gonna feel like you failed, but also he knows that you can do better, and he’s gonna want you to do better and push you to let it go and next time do your best,” Thompson said.
Over the years, Montrose said that his coaching philosophy has become more focused on the person behind the athlete and on getting to know them better.
“It’s more than just ‘Did you win your race?’” Montrose said. “[It’s also] ‘How was your day? How’s life going? Are things going good?’ Because sometimes things outside of the track are really what’s pulling you down and could hurt you.”
