The Slippery Rock track and field program is mourning the loss of assistant coach Dave Labor who lost his brave battle with cancer last weekend.
Coach Labor has been a member of the Rock's coaching staff for the past 17 years, working primarily with the sprinters and hurdlers. He has produced 17 All-American athletes, 16 PSAC team championships and 66 individual PSAC champions. In his career at the Rock, his runners have won 13 of the last 16 PSAC women's 400-meter championships.
Assistant coach, Nathan Shadeck appreciates everything Labor has taught him throughout their coaching career together.
"He's full of experience and wisdom, and his coaching philosophy has taught me how to mentally handle the athletes on the team," Shadeck said. "Although we didn't always show it, we appreciated him and respected everything he did for us."
Fellow assistant coach, Shayne Cooper, also respects all coach Labor did for him and the life lessons he taught him.
"Coming to school from Trinidad when I was 17 years old, he really stepped up and taught me a lot, not just about track, but about life," Cooper said. "I thank him for who I am, and I also thank him for the best advice he ever game me- 'Shayne you are a great athlete, but one day you are going to be an even better coach', and now I'm following that dream."
Labor produced many dominating relay teams in his career at the Rock, including the 4x400 relay team, made up of Amanda Seigworth, Allison Smith, Tiffany Tedesco and Lacey Cochran, that broke the school record and earned All-American honors.
Labor was a member of the 2008 coaching staff when SRU's men and women swept the PSAC indoor and outdoor championships. Another exciting time in his career was during the 2009 season when the women's team came from behind on the final day of PSAC competition, having four sprinters and hurdlers score 85 points to beat Shippensburg University and claim the PSAC title.
Another highlight in his career was last spring when he helped lead the men's 4x400 relay team of Kevin Jewell, Ethan Geisler, Trevor Foley and Mason McLaughlin to the second-fastest time in school history.
Labor also helped coach 400-meter hurdler Smith to nationals all four years of her career, and she couldn't be more appreciative for all he did for her.
"Coach realized the potential I had in high school and gave me all the skills to be as competitive as I was," Smith said. "Coach always knew how to deal with my personality and emotions too. He taught me how to 'stop thinking and just run'. Coach Labor was a great coach and mentor, always willing to help his athletes become not only the best runners, but also the best students, teammates and individuals."
Coach Labor was named Assistant Coach of the Year for the Atlantic Region in 2008 and again in 2009 by the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
Eight-time PSAC champion, seven-time National Qualifier, and two-time All-American, Seigworth gave credit to Labor for always being by her side and supporting her throughout her athletic career.
"Coach Labor changed me into the person I am today," Seigworth said. "He taught me to never give up on what I want, and he was always there to help me make sure I reached my goals. He never gave up, and he was there for me on and off the track. I owe all my success to his love and desire for success with his athletes. He was a wonderful coach and more importantly, a wonderful friend to me."
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