MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Sisters, we did that. This year’s Cougar Chase broke every fundraising record in school history and brought in $61,000. We owe it to one small, strategic change: we retired the pace car and asked our new PE teacher, Coach Tyler, 26, to lead the route. Shirtless, for aerodynamics.
“We noticed a real shift in engagement,” said Volunteer Coordinator Kinsley Ashford. That’s me. Last year I had to beg for volunteers. This year the sign-up form crashed in four minutes. The Mile 2 water station, where Coach Tyler does his stretching, has seven spots. All seven filled instantly, with 40 more on the waitlist. Mile 4 had one volunteer, Becca, and we are so thankful for her.
So many of us who have always said “I’m not a runner” finished the 5K three or four times. Several members held a beautiful, steady six feet behind Coach Tyler for the entire course. One mom set a personal record and asked whether it could be verified in person, maybe over coffee. That’s the spirit of the Chase.
Coach Tyler was such a team player. He said he mostly wanted the kids to have fun. He also asked whether it was normal for parents to request his Venmo for tips, and whether someone could stop leaving protein smoothies on his car. We have reminded members to keep the smoothies to the designated cooler.
The children also ran, and by all accounts they enjoyed it.
Proceeds will go toward a splash pad for the teachers’ lounge. Coach Tyler has been booked as pace car for the next seven years. He has not responded to the calendar invite yet, but we’re confident.