DARLINGTON —Redbirds cross country coach Arnie Miehe is hanging up his shoes after 41 years with Darlington.
Since taking over in 1982, Miehe has had nine state championship teams — eight for the boys and one for the girls — including six consecutive boys’ titles from 2011-2016. Another 39 teams went to state — 23 for the boys and 16 for the girls. For four straight years from 1993-1996, Darlington boys were state runners-up to Cochrane-Fountain City. In this 41-year span, he’s also had numerous individual state runners.
This season was the first since 2003 that neither the boys’ or girls’ teams, nor an individual qualified for the state meet.
“I’m fortunate to have worked with great kids, which come from great parents,” Miehe said. “If they didn’t buy into the program, none of this happens. They are the ones that put their toes on the line and run.”
Miehe’s first state title came in 1985, just three years after taking over at the helm. Darlington edged Bayfield by just one point on a blustery afternoon.
“It was a driving snow storm,” Miehe remembers. “The gun went off and the kids disappeared into the snow.”
The next year, the boys took the title again. Kent Ruppert, Dale Kelly and Kirk Evenstad led the Redbirds with their experience from state the year previous.
Although Miehe could go on forever talking about his favorite moments — “How long do you have?” he asked — he highlighted coaching his kids as an experience he will never forget.
“It’s every coach’s dream that their kids get involved and interested in the sport they coach,” Miehe said. “I’ll never be able to replace what I’ve been able to experience with my kids.”
All four of his children — two daughters and two sons — ran cross country and were all-conference and MVPs on their respective teams.
His oldest son Kent was a member of the 2011 state championship team, and Tyson was a three-peat state cross country champion from 2011-2013. Darlington also won state as a team in 2013 — the third year of the six-year streak.
A large part of Miehe’s coaching success comes not from the physical labors but the mentality he instills in his athletes. Miehe teaches his kids life lessons in pride, strength and adversity.
“I want them to take pride in what they do,” Miehe said. “If they aren’t proud of themselves, change. Often these kids don’t know how strong they really are, and I want to show them that.”
Years down the road, these lessons have stuck with Miehe’s former athletes. While attending the fair, Miehe ran into a former runner that told him how much of an impact Miehe had on his life.
The connection with students and athletes is a large reason why Miehe decided to announce his retirement from coaching. After retiring from teaching, Miehe felt a lack of connection with the kids. He now sees his son and assistant coach Kent forming those relationships.
“He knows what the program is about,” Miehe said. “He cares about the program. I’ll be leaving it in good hands.”
Kent finished his fifth season as a coach for the Redbirds this fall. Kalee Crist and Amy McDaniel have eight years and three years coaching experience, respectively, on the staff.
A lot can change in 41 years, but one thing has remained the same for Miehe, even approaching retirement.
“I still love doing it.”
