For long-time running coach, Brian Nemethy, what started as a hobby in middle school, turned into a life-long passion that influenced the path of his life.
In Grade 7, Nemethy decided to try running with his friends while growing up in the Lower Mainland, B.C. Quickly, it became more than just a pastime, and he continued to run throughout high school.
Nemethy’s love for running extended into his university years at the university of British Columbia, where he met his wife, Wanda, at a running club. The club met every Tuesday, followed by socializing at a local pub or restaurant. It was one of these Tuesday nights in November that he met Wanda.
They both pursued careers in education. “We moved for education, and we wanted to get jobs, so we applied everywhere up north, and we ended up here in Vanderhoof,” he said.
Together, the pair have been coaching at Nechako Valley Secondary School (NVSS) for 26 years.
“We started off with two runners, and now we have around 21 or 22,” Nemethy said, with the couple’s dedication to coaching impacting multiple generations. Now, some of their earliest runners have children of their own in the program.
The program at NVSS has seen incredible success, often earning top results across the district. His work with the team has earned him the title of Coach of the Year and Team of the Year three times in the North Central District Zone.
In addition to coaching, Nemethy organized the Wild Goose Chase, a local running event, for 19 years. The event supports young athletes with bursaries for top finishes in cross-country and track events.
Despite coaching, Nemethy has continued to compete in the sport, even running alongside his students during training and starting a local adult running club.
Brian’s running philosophy focuses on health and fitness. “I mostly run for the health [...]. It’s easy to put on your running shoes and head out the driveway, down the road, and go for a run,” he said.
The years of training have earned him countless medals, which hang neatly in colourful clusters around his office and workout room.
However, Nemethy said he never wanted to focus on himself while running, for him, it was all about sharing with others and helping his students learn about life through sport.
Turning 64 this year, Nemethy said it is nearly time to retire from coaching. As for what comes next, he said he will still run, but he is ready to relax and have more time to travel.
