Coach of the Month: January 2024
Brian Daly
The first Coach of the Month in 2024 is a very worthy recipient who has served as one of Australia’s longest-serving coaches.
Brian Daly is a life member of Ginninderra Athletics, where he has contributed to the centre in a number of roles including coach, official, and volunteer. Brian received numerous nominations from the community, which emphasised his years of experience and passion for athletics.
“Brian goes the extra mile by attending as many athletics and running events as possible, including Saturday mornings at Charnwood Oval to cheer on his "Bunchers." With Brian's unwavering dedication and investment in his coaching, "Brian's Bunch" has achieved success at all levels of ACT representative athletics and running.”
Brian recently took the time to discuss a little about his coaching journey with Samantha Brown from Athletics ACT.
Samantha Brown: How and when did you first get involved in athletics?
Brian Daly: I think I first competed for my school Christian Brothers’ College, Townsville in 1954 as a nine year old. I was more of a sprinter in those days and competed in the 70 yard and 100 yard races and also in the 4x75 relay. I competed in a few meetings of the fledgling Townsville Athletics Club under the guidance of an uncle who was a sprinter. He took me for training sessions and also to the Saturday meets. He also helped me choose my first set of spikes.
Our track in those days was a black dirt one – pretty basic. Years later, as a member of a religious order training for the priesthood at Galong, NSW and Ballarat, Victoria, I developed a love of running longer distances – real cross country, as we climbed fences, crossed creeks, wheat fields, and sometimes on dirt roads.
At Ballarat a standard run was from our monastery at Wendouree around the fabled Lake Wendouree, where I believe, some events of the 1956 Olympics were held. I spent five years in the order and when I left, had only four months as a ‘civilian’ before answering the compulsory call-up to the Australian Army. Following my time in the Army and my tour of duty in Vietnam as an Infantry soldier between April 1968 to April 1970, I lost interest in most things physical. Only when working in the Department of Treasury, and when I bought my first milk run, did I take up running again. This consisted of lunch time runs around Lake Burley Griffin, up Red Hill and Mt Pleasant and several other regular favourites, while in the public service and; stop/start running when delivering milk. I sometimes drove the truck and delivered milk – a pretty tiring night’s work.
SB: How did you make the transition from running into coaching?
BD: I began coaching when my son, Michael, played soccer and cricket, and I stepped up to lead his teams. However, I had not coached his siblings' teams when they were his age because my free time was occupied by other jobs, such as the milk run and taxi driving.
Michael's distance running coach, John Tomlinson, suggested that I start my own squad. He believed that I knew enough about coaching to lead a team. After considering his advice, I began coaching in a way that surprised me.
One day, at club training, a young girl was uninterested in the day's activities and asked if we could train for the Australian Cross Country, as she was part of the ACT team. I took her aside and did some interval training, and from there, the group grew by word of mouth and by my inviting young athletes I noticed in the 800s/1500s at Little As on Saturday mornings at Ginninderra, where I am now a life member.
SB: What has inspired you to keep coaching over this period?
BD: Seeing the young athletes improve, enjoy the work they do to improve, and making beautiful friendships while engaging in this strenuous work. I also often become friends of the parents and that is a wonderful experience. Hayden Todd, a former member of my squad 'Brian's Bunch,' was one of the individuals who showed promise early on. Although I knew I would eventually lose him as he advanced in the athletic world, his parents, Stuart and Faye were always a great source of encouragement and we remain close friends to this day.
SB: As a coach, having a strong support system is critical to success. Who has provided mentoring and support to you throughout your journey, and how has this impacted your experience as a coach?
BD: John Tomlinson, who gave me my initial push into coaching, has continued to offer support. Requests from LAACT and LA Aust to coach at schools and clinics have been a tremendous source of motivation. Although I have been asked to lead sessions that fall outside my area of expertise, these opportunities have allowed me to help young athletes grow and develop.
Even when working with individuals who are struggling to learn or are reluctant to participate, these experiences have helped me to be patient and approach coaching with a relaxed mindset. Overall, these requests and the ongoing support I receive from others have been incredibly humbling and affirming, and have helped me to believe in my own abilities as a coach.
Congratulations to Brian on being selected as the Coach of the Month for January 2024! Athletics Australia and Capital Athletics would like to Congratulate Brian on this highly deserved recognition!
Brian, your hard-work, commitment and achievements are truly exceptional. This recognition is a testament to your dedication. Keep up the good work, Brian!
Tap here to nominate your coach for future Coach of the Month awards!