In the world of high school track and field, the name Quentin Nauman resonates with remarkable achievements. Nauman,a standout athlete,had a junior year for the ages,securing multiple state titles and setting new state records in both cross country and track and field. His performance at the state meet was notably noteworthy, as he became the first high schooler in American history to achieve a sub-two minute 800m and a sub four-minute 1600m in the same meet.

Behind every great athlete, however, is often an exceptional coach. For Nauman, that coach is Elaina Biechler, who readily admits, “yes, absolutely, I’m a total running nerd.”

Biechler serves as an assistant track and cross country coach and possesses a PhD, underscoring her expertise. More than just a coach, “Coach Biechler is also Dr. Biechler,” teaching the science of movement and exercise at Loras College.

“All of my research is about sport, performance, running, recovery. Anything like that,” she said.

Biechler emphasizes the synergy between her roles as a college professor and high school coach. “The reason I was drawn to teaching is really the same reason I was drawn to coaching,” said Biechler. “I had some great professors, I had some really great coaches when I was in high school. I was this unconfident 14-year-old girl and all I needed was somebody to say like ‘hey you can do this.'”

“That made so much of a difference for me. Can I do that for someone else?”

For Dr. Biechler,coaching transcends mere science; it’s an art form centered on connecting with her athletes on a personal level. “Most of the conversations that we have aren’t about running,” said biechler. “It’s ‘how’s your eagle scout project going? How did this Spanish test go? How’s this going with this girl that you have a crush on!?'”

Biechler’s commitment extends beyond the track, as she actively participates alongside her students, showcasing her own athletic prowess. “I think I was about 21 or so, my dad bet me that I couldn’t do this triathlon that was close to our hometown,” said Biechler. “I’m like ‘heck yes I can.'”

And she proved him wrong.

Biechler has been competing in triathlon and Ironman races for over a decade, providing her with the stamina to effectively mentor and support her students. “They have to talk to you! they can’t get away, your stuck here, I’m running beside you,” said biechler. “I wanna know all about your weekend or all about how this class is going.”

nauman, an Oregon commit, stands out as one of Biechler’s most accomplished students. he is the reigning 2024 3A state cross country champion and holds state records in two track and field events.

Following his victories at the state track meet,nauman immediately sought out his distance coach. “It means a lot because she’s here since day one,” said Nauman. “She’s more than just a coach, she’s like a second mother to me. It’s really cool to have that sense of security – they’re not just there, they actually care about you.”

Even with her extensive knowledge, Biechler admits to being amazed by Nauman’s capabilities. “Honestly,physiologically,some of the stuff he does – like this,doesn’t add up,” Biechler said.

Nonetheless of whether she’s coaching a state champion or a novice athlete, Biechler believes her approach is universally effective.”That’s kind of the dream right? To give back what has been given to you,” said Biechler. “I was just reading this book the other day that (asked) ‘if you had five million dollars what woudl you do? What would your week look like?’ The more I thought about it, I wouldn’t give anything up. I want to teach, I want to coach those, are the things I love doing.”