Wichita State cross country coach Kirk Hunter won’t claim to know exactly how to repair a runner’s relationship with the sport. He does know it probably starts with a youth movement.
“We all start running for a reason — we love to run,” Hunter said. “Go back to your roots and enjoy running, enjoy going out for a run with the guys, enjoy talking to them. Just have fun.”
Running wasn’t fun for Joe Harter at Nebraska. He transferred to Wichita State in 2015 and credits Hunter with the personal touch that restored his enthusiasm.
“He was a really, really good influence on me,” Harter said.