COUGAR SPORTS ZONE
QA &
WITH ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
What are some of the highlights of your first year at CC?
Summer 2020
We had a fantastic fall and winter. Men’s & women’s soccer and men’s & women’s cross country won conference championships, with men’s soccer making a historic run in the National Tournament. It was great to see volleyball qualify for another national tournament, overcoming adversity under the direction of a new coach and with only two returners. CC received every fall AMC Coach of the Year award — Volleyball: Allison JonesOlson, Men’s and Women’s Soccer: John Klein and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Tracy Jex.
Affinity
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How have alumni and supporters of the program been crucial in your efforts this year? I have been overwhelmed and blown away by the support of the community, alumni and the extended Cougar family. Without the love and support of those who value Cougar Athletics and Columbia College, I’m certain we would not be able to function and operate at such a high level.
James Arnold How have you been able to bring your experience and expertise into the classroom as an instructor? Having the opportunity to be in the classroom was a great treat this year. I miss the direct interaction with the students and really enjoy seeing the student-athletes in a different environment. I have always considered myself a teacher first and foremost, so my approach in the classroom is not any different than it was when running a basketball practice. We want to learn, get better and enjoy ourselves while doing so. Each player on a roster and each student in the classroom is unique and requires different strategies to help them obtain their goals and find success. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought extremely tough challenges to college athletics. How has your team responded? It has certainly been an interesting and trying year in many ways, but I could not ask for a better group of people to go through
