THE ROAD TO NIKE TEAM NATIONALS

Paul Vandersteen, one of the nation's top high school coaches, tells how best to perform at a championship meet. By Nicole Falcone PUBLISHED 11/28/2007

This Saturday, December 1, 42 high school cross-country teams will line up at the Portland Meadows in Portland, Oregon, for the 4th annual Nike Team Nationals. The event will produce this year's top boys and girls cross-country teams in the country.

One team in the running is the Nequa Valley Wildcats, the Illinois state champions. Nequa Valley's Head Coach Paul Vandersteen spoke to High School Runner on a host of topics important to any team or runner preparing for a major championship.