At its year-end trophy ceremony, St. Joan of Arc parish, Jackson Heights, honored its two long-time track coaches, Bob Corrigan and Mary Glascock, June 22 for over 40 years of dedicated service to the parish’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) track program.

Both coaches grew up attending the parish and elementary school at St. Joan’s, and both said that their coaching careers have been very rewarding since they enjoy spending time with the children.

“We recognize that the children are here for foundation and learning, and we’re not trying to coach kids to go to the Olympics,” Glascock said. “We’re trying to have them have fun and get a real appreciation of the sport.”

“What we try to do with each kid is instill a sense of self-worth,” Corrigan said. “Each kid can gain some confidence through track. By working hard, they can improve their own time and distance. It’s a great way of showing kids if they work hard and they dedicate themselves to something, they can achieve.”

Many of the current team members are the children of former runners that Corrigan and Glascock coached. Both coaches said they are very grateful for the support they’ve received from the parents and parish community over the years.

Though both have sought no credit in their 40 years of coaching, both were certainly worthy of this honor.