When it comes to cross country running, Rob Brenner is to Clovis High what peanut butter is to jelly. One just wouldn’t be the same without the other.

A 1974 graduate of Clovis High, Brenner began coaching cross country at his alma mater in 1986 as an assistant. In 1989 he became coach — a post he’s held since.

Because of his contributions this season — and over the course of his career — Brenner is The Bee’s 2008 girls cross country Coach of the Year.

Brenner’s girls finished first in the Tri-River Athletic Conference this season, edging Buchanan by two points and Clovis East by three at the finale at Woodward Park; the boys finished fourth. The Clovis girls placed third in Division I at the Central Section Championships at Woodward, just three points behind Clovis East. Buchanan won the section title — its ninth straight — with 38 points. Clovis East scored 66 and Clovis 69; only the top two teams moved on to state.

Brenner has led the Cougars to 12 Central Section championships — six each for the boys and girls (four apiece in Division I and two each in Division II). The girls won state in 1996 and finished fourth in 2006. The boys were second in 2005 and fourth in 2006. His girls teams have won five league titles and the boys have earned seven (the last in 2003).

“He’s an amazing man,” Buchanan coach Marty Simpson said. “He does such an awesome job with his kids. He prepares them well. It’s great to have a coach like that as a friend as well as an opponent. I respect him so much it’s unbelievable.”

Brenner said he strives to create an atmopshere where his runners feel valued for more than the talent they bring to the team.

“For them to be successful they have to be motivated, so we create an atmosphere that no matter how you do you know you are cared for,” he said.

Clovis High junior Saylah Barserian, who won TRAC and Central Section Division I titles this season and finished 18th at the state meet, said Brenner does just that.

“He trains us hard,” she said. “He knows our strengths and weaknesses and he knows what’s best for us.

“He doesn’t just care about the No. 1 or No. 2 runners. He tells us we’re all important.”

Brenner’s history in the sport is a long one. He ran both cross country and track at Clovis High. He went on to compete for the Fresno City College and Fresno State track teams. He still runs recreationally.

Brenner started the cross country program at Fresno Christian High in 1984 and coached there until he came to Clovis High in 1986. He teaches algebra and geometry at Clovis High and said he enjoys every moment spent coaching.

“I enjoy the relationships with the kids,” he said. “That’s the cool thing for me. I enjoy the kids — getting to know them and hopefully being a positive influence in their lives.

“The sport is like life. It’s difficult, but there are so many rewards. Like life, you overcome adversity and go on.”

The reporter can be reached at mslaby@fresnobee.com or at (559) 441-6758.