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January 30, 2018

Coach Spotlight: Andrew Dorr’07 & Jennifer Dorr’06, Cross Country, Track & Field

Andrew Dorr’07

Head Cross Country Coach
Track and Field Distance Coach

Jennifer Dorr’06

Associate Head Cross Country Coach
Track and Field Distance Coach


Do you have any program traditions that you always enjoy taking part in?

J - Our preseason camping trip with the cross country athletes is definitely a top one. We always take a three-night camping trip to either Green Lakes State Park or this year we went to Hamlin Beach State Park, and it’s a great time for us to get off campus and for the team to bond over a campfire. It’s an opportunity for them to get to know each other the very first week that we’re at Roberts. They leave for the trip as strangers, and they come back as a family. It’s an awesome way to start off the year!

A - We also do the “Halloween Hustle.” We stole this from Coach Kurtz who coached while we were students and in our first years as assistants. The runners dress up in costumes (that they can run in) and then they do a running workout. In the end, we finish with a relay race.

What is your favorite campus tradition?

A - We really like going to Live! Over the last few years, a number of cross-country runners have hosted the show, so I’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of watching them on stage. But I enjoy Live for the acts as well. Another event that I enjoy is Homecoming – it’s a lot of fun with the many activities to connect with friends.

J - Homecoming weekend is when we have our big Harry F. Anderson Invitational, too. Having all the runners on campus (family, alumni, etc.) is great. It’s a lot of fun being able to spend time with them!

What is your favorite thing about coaching at Roberts?

A - The pleasant surprise. What I mean by that is when a runner, through hard work and dedication, exceeds expectations. The most significant thing we get to observe is when God transforms one of the young men or women during their time at Roberts.

What makes running cross-country at Roberts different than running at other D2 schools?

A - We strive for a perfect balance. We want to be successful in running, but we don’t want to sacrifice academics or relationships with friends, family or God.

Where is your favorite place to be on campus?

J - We were just talking about how much fun it is running alongside the team, or watching them from the sidelines of the track! So definitely the cross-country trails are a favorite place; or the track on a workout day.

What has been the highlight of your coaching careers so far?

A - One of the most satisfying wins we’ve had was the first NCCAA women’s title in 2013. That was really our first major win. The next year in 2014, the women finished ninth place at D2 nationals. That is certainly the accomplishment we’re most proud of; but there are many other things as well. Every year is different and every group is different. Every goal achieved, every pleasant surprise—those are all highlights.

J - That same 2014 season, the men qualified for Division II nationals, so that was very exciting! We brought both teams to DII Nationals and the runners still talk about that experience.


Student Insight:

Ben Matz ‘20

I have been truly blessed by being able to run at the collegiate level. Running competitively itself is great, but being on a team with two coaches who make coming to practice every day a fun experience is even better. The Dorrs make sure there is a strong family and team-focused atmosphere. Running is hard, but when surrounded by a group of individuals who care about you and who want you to succeed, it makes it a lot easier. It is the little things that make them stand out as coaches. They are both very knowledgeable about running and ensure that every aspect of training pushes the team to become better runners.

Since joining the team two years ago, I have improved my 8K time by one minute, and I credit this to the Dorrs’ training. As a team, we have a bunch of traditions that help to bring us together. My favorite team tradition is when we have preseason, and we all get to know each other on a camping trip. Last year, when I was a freshman, I went into camp nervous because I didn’t know anyone but in the end I made and a bunch of new friends and teammates. It is for all of these reasons that I am happy that I chose to come to Roberts.


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