Baraboo High School Track and Field Event Highlights Powerful Lessons Centered Around "Mindset Matters!"

On April 7, 2025, Baraboo High School's boys and girls shot put and discus athletes, known as the Thunder Throwers, gathered in the Auxiliary Gymnasium at BHS for a uniquely inspiring event. Coach Mike Durnin delivered an impactful session to the athletes and coaches, emphasizing a philosophy of competing to be '1-0' in every aspect of life, from sports to academics and beyond. Former college football coach/professor and personal development expert, Coach Durnin outlined his 'Stoplight Method' during his talk. This approach teaches individuals to pause, evaluate, and respond effectively to life's challenges, thus ensuring a controlled and positive outcome. To further enrich the lives of the young athletes, he shared insights from his extensive experience in upper administration and life coaching, including his football tutelage roles at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, Dubuque University, and Luther College. In 2025, Coach Durnin founded Via Crucis Leadership, LLC, promoting tools such as the 'Handful of L's' - a guiding principle encouraging continual learning, living, laughing, loving, and legacy building. For further insight into the "Handful of L's" Philosophy, click the link below to listen to Coach Durnin explain the concept via a podcast presentation on the Encourage Mindset Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/103-handful-of-ls-w-mike-durnin/id1525898573?i=1000697315057&l=es-MX One highlight of the event was when Coach Durnin encouraged the Thunderbirds to apply his teachings within their sports routines and in forming stronger bonds amongst each other in their day-to-day lives. Durnin reminded everyone that being human is a communal experience where relying on each other's help is not only important, but indeed necessary. Throws Coach Kevin Catterson, a former student-athlete of Coach Durnin's at UWL, expressed deep gratitude for the lifelong influence on his development. 'Coach Mike Durnin was my former football coach and physical education professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse during my undergrad years of 2004-2009. The impact Coach has made on my life as a teacher, coach, husband, brother, friend, and colleague is immeasurable and will last a lifetime! I am forever grateful to Coach Durnin for his willingness to help our special group of people grow on the path towards becoming their 'best selves',' said the coach at Baraboo High School. Not just a day of physical training, but one filled with life lessons, the event left everyone, from athletes to coaches, inspired and motivated to apply these new strategies in every facet of their lives and relationships.