This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Longtime cross country coach and newly appointed 3D art teacher Thomas Root opens up about his transition to teaching high school students. He delves into the relationship between art and running, highlighting how these passions can bring success across many aspects of our lives.
Q: To start off, how are you adjusting to the pace between the younger kids and high schoolers?
TR: A lot of people assume that it would be a big culture shock, and if I had zero knowledge of high school kids, yeah, it would be. But I knew what I was getting into, as the head cross country coach for the boys for 11 or 12 years now. The teaching part has been a blast, but with all of the grading and behind the scenes administrative work, I’ve had to really hustle to keep up since it’s all new to me.
Q: And how long have you been a teacher?
TR: I’ve taught 15 years in the district, all elementary.
Q: I’ve seen that you’ve done a lot of work across different forms of art. What is your preferred medium of art?
TR: General photography is definitely my most utilized on a daily basis, whether it’s with a real camera or my phone. I shoot all the time, but my favorite is oil paint portraits.
Q: How big of a role has art played in your life?
TR: I grew up in a household that valued and appreciated the arts, and I’ve clearly always loved that outlet. My dad was in advertising as an art director, so I saw that there’s a creative field; he paints, does photography [and] draws. And I have a grandfather who is a photographer. His dad, and my mother sing and play piano.
Q: As a BHS alumni has your experience molded the way you teach/coach now?
TR: Yes, I am sure that it influences how I see the Cross Country Program, or how I see the arts programs. I took a sculptural design class in this very classroom. I have an understanding of how the room works and what its limitations and strengths are, so that helps me to suggest things for them [students]. I would also add that there’s an extra level of pride in these programs, having been in their shoes.
Q: Since you are an alum, was that always the plan to come back to BHS?
TR: I would say that when I was in high school I would’ve said, ‘There’s no way I would live in Barrington,’ but once you get past your schooling years, you learn very quickly that this is an incredible place to be. It was definitely not part of the original plan.
Q: How has running impacted your life?
TR: I love running for both myself and encouraging others to do it at a high level, especially cross country teams. Running is a meditative escape. It’s something that (unless you have an injury), you can control. I love that about it, it’s simple, what you put into it, you tend to get out of it. If you put in the work, you’re going to see benefits. Our new assistant principal, Ty Gorman, who was my head coach when I was here said that running is the greatest metaphor for life; the lessons we learn in our running can be applied to whatever else we want to be successful at in life.
Q: Has that mantra ever crossed into the creative aspect of your career?
TR: I think running is something that I pour my everything into. When I was in the thick of my toughest training, those trials and tribulations showed me how far I would go to be successful in something. Now I can apply that to other things in my life, whether it’s parenting, teaching or coaching. If you want to be a great runner, you have to make time. You have to actually demonstrate that you’re willing to make the time.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory, as a coach or from your personal life?
TR: I try to help athletes visualize that when you truly have given your all to something to prepare to the greatest degree, there’s no greater joy in life to showing up to that marathon or test that is the pinnacle event. I’ve had a couple of marathons where I showed up to race day in Chicago, and there’s that perfect song playing, the sun is rising over Lake Michigan and I’m nearly brought to tears because everything just comes together in that moment. That’s something that keeps you going through the hours and days of work that go into that. That is the pinnacle.
Q: You’ve talked about putting your all into something like running. Does the rigid routine of running ever conflict with your creative side? Or do they work together?
TR: If someone wants to be a great artist, they have to follow the same expectations that we have for our cross country team, which are show up, do your best and be a good person. If someone doesn’t show up or isn’t willing to do a little extra work then you are not going to be happy with the results.
