ST. CHARLES, Mo. – A symphony of applause filled the Barnwell Middle School halls Thursday.
The cheers were for the school’s band director, Jerod Broadbooks, who is used to conducting a different type of sound.
“The support (has) been great,” Broadbooks said. “(The students are) just really excited.”
The Eureka High School grad and Lindenwood University alum is chasing an Olympic dream this weekend.
Broadbooks is set to compete Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Trials marathon in Orlando. For nearly a year, he’s been running more than 100 miles every week, preparing for his chance at Olympic glory.
“I usually run in the morning before school and then usually after school,” he said. “It’s a seven-day-a-week type thing.”
He will have to finish in the top three to qualify for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
“It would be a dream come true,” he said.
Broadbooks hopes his students can learn from this journey of his.
“If you have dreams, just chase them and go for it,” he said. “You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.”
Although Broadbooks will be running by himself for hours, he said he won’t be alone.
“Even though it’s me running the race, there’s an army of people behind me who’ve supported me along the way,” he said.