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Coaching ManagementT R A C K & F I E L D P R E S E A S O N E D I T I O N 2 0 1 0

VOL. XVIII NO. 1 ■ $7.00

■ Handling Criticism■ Body Comp Measurements

A HeAltHy PAceStrategies for preventing overuse injuries

S P O R T R U B B E R S U R F A C E S

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CONTENTSCoaching ManagementTrack & Field EditionPreseason 2010

Vol. XVIII, No. 1

COVER STORY

A Healthy Pace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Track and field athletes log a lot of miles to obtain peak performance . How do you make sure such intense training doesn’t spawn overuse injuries?

LEADERSHIP

Quelling the Critics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Nowadays, coaches get bombarded with criticism from every angle . Learning how to handle it calmly is key to success (and staying sane) .

OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

Composed to Win . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25At Texas A&M University, analyzing athletes’ body composition for lean mass is part of the formula that led to NCAA Division I outdoor championships for both the men’s and women’s teams last spring .

On the cover: Athletes battle it out for the 1500-meter title at the 2009 NCAA Division III outdoor championships. In our cover story, coaches and members of the medical community weigh in on how to prevent athletes from suffering overuse injuries. Article begins on page 14.

25LOCKER ROOM Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3The USTFCCCA creates a new award for the nation’s top athletes … Alham-bra (Ariz .) High School coach sticks his neck out for a friend … Western Illinois relays benefit a coach’s son … Co-op team grabs the Minnesota state title … Ashland University coaches marry on the “Today Show .”

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Darrell Anderson, Head Boys’ Coach at Bismarck (N .D .) High School, talks about working with a co-head coach, rebuilding his program, and the differ-ences between coaching track and field and cross country .

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34BELL LAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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The Coaching Management Track & Field edition is pub lished in January and September by MAG, Inc ., and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada .

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TRACK SURFACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29TRACK FACILITY EqUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31TEAM EqUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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Introducing The BowermanThe Heisman. The Wooden. The Broderick Cup. These awards for top collegiate ath-letes have a new colleague with the introduction of The Bowerman, which will be awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate male and female track and field athlete each year. And if the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Associa-tion (USTFCCCA) has its way, The Bowerman will quickly become every bit as presti-gious as its older cousins.

The USTFCCCA created the award with two goals in mind: bring more attention to col-lege track and field, and hon-or one of the seminal figures in the sport, Bill Bowerman, long-time Head Coach at the University of Oregon and co-founder of Nike, Inc. The inau-gural awards were handed out during the USTFCCCA con-vention in December to Galen Rupp from the University of Oregon and Jennifer Bar-ringer from the University of Colorado. Other finalists were German Fernandez, Oklaho-ma State University; Ashton Eaton, University of Oregon; Destinee Hooker, University of Texas; and Porscha Lucas, Tex-as A&M University.

“About two or three years ago we started thinking of ways to shine a spotlight on the sport and athletes who had outstanding years,” says Sam Seemes, USTFCCCA Chief Executive Officer. “We want the award to have deep meaning and significance within our sport, and Bill Bow-erman’s name quickly came to mind. He’s one of our all-time greatest coaches and prob-ably the most innovative. It was a perfect match and we think this award will be some-

thing coaches will really take pride in.”

Even with Bowerman’s name attached, Seemes says coach-es’ efforts will be needed for this award to be viewed at a high level. “Making this award special requires it being spe-cial within our own track and field community,” he says. “It has to start with us. But it’s also critical that the award has credibility in its administration and selection process. I think we’ve taken the correct steps in establishing that.”

In setting up the award, Seemes says he looked at the selection process used by simi-lar honors and tried to take the best aspects of each. The Bowerman calendar begins in January with the release of the Bowerman Watch List, which is compiled by the Bower-man Advisory Committee and updated monthly. The com-mittee includes more than two dozen athletic administrators, media members, and track and field statisticians. Her-man Frazier, former Olympic gold medal winner and cur-rent Senior Associate Athletic Director at Temple University, is the chair of the commit-tee, and Alfreeda Goff, Senior Associate Commissioner of the Horizon League, is the vice chair.

Toward the end of the outdoor season, the advisory board selects a group of 12 to 15 semi-finalists for each gender. The Bowerman voters, which include the members of the advisory board as well as the USTFCCCA divisional presi-dents, rank their final selec-tions with the top vote-getter and two other finalists invited to the award ceremony.

In addition, one vote is desig-nated for the USTFCCCA mem-bership, which is determined

through polling, and another for the larger track and field community, which is based on the result of a public poll con-ducted on the USTFCCCA Web site. As with the Heisman Tro-phy, previous award winners will also have a vote.

“We thought it was impor-tant to establish credibility for the award and its procedures from day one, and that’s why we sought out strong leader-ship to operate the selection process,” Seemes says. “We’re very fortunate that we’ve attracted some extremely

Oregon’s Galen Rupp was awarded the first men’s Bowerman as the top collegiate male track and field athlete on Dec.16. Rupp won the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the 2009 NCAA Division I outdoor nationals and the 3,000 and 5,000 meters at the indoor nationals. Colorado’s Jennifer Barringer won the women’s Bowerman.

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knowledgeable and dedicated folks to serve on the advisory board, and we have great lead-ership in Herman Frazier and Alfreeda Goff.”

The award is based solely on athletes’ performances dur-ing the collegiate indoor and outdoor season. However, this is not limited to collegiate events, and any performance between the start of the indoor season and the conclu-sion of the outdoor season at the NCAA Division I Cham-pionships can be considered, regardless of setting.

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 3

More information on The Bowerman, including links to watch lists and fan voting, is available at: www.thebowerman.org.

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How do Bowerman voters compare sprinters to distance runners to field athletes? Time will tell, but Seemes believes the benchmarks available for comparison in track and field will allow the most deserving winner to rise to the top.

“With two seasons of track and field, there are a lot of opportunities for student-ath-letes to obtain conference championships and national championships, as well as set national and collegiate records, and in some cases, junior or even world records,” he says. “I think there are common standards you can use to compare athletes in dif-ferent events.”

The presence of objective com-parative criteria should also make it possible for a Division II or Division III athlete to win. “Although all six finalists the


first year were from Division I, I certainly think there will be years when a Division II or Division III athlete will be in that group,” Seemes says. “There have been national-level performances as well as high-level Olympic athletes who came out of Division II and Division III. I can easily go back and point out past student-athletes from those divisions who probably would have made the final group.”

Taking a StandBack in the 1990s, Carlos Borja and Miguel Aparicio were track teammates at Carl Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, and again at Yavapai College. For the last eight years, they’ve coached togeth-er, with Borja working as Head Boys’ Cross Country Coach at Alhambra High School in Phoe-nix while Aparicio served as

a volunteer assistant. They’ve been good friends for 18 years, so when Borja’s athletic director ordered him to dismiss

Aparicio from the cross country program, Borja refused—even if it meant losing his job.

“I just couldn’t do it,” says Borja, who coached the pro-gram to state titles in 2007 and 2009. “He’s like my

brother, and he’s a father fig-ure for our runners. I took a stand, because no matter how much I love coaching, my

friends and family are more important.”

Borja faced this tough situa-tion after Aparicio was pulled over for running a stop sign last April. That traffic violation led to his arrest as an illegal

“Some coaches believe I did the right thing by staying true to my friend, and others felt I dis-obeyed school policy and got what I deserved. But all along, I emphasized that the runners needed to stick together and fight their battles as a team.”

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Shaymus Relays consisted of kid-friendly events such as a baseball throw, softball throw, Frisbee throw, 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, and one-mile run, which will likely be short-ened to a 400-meter run this year. Following the final event, a photographer took a large group picture of all the kids, parents, and volunteers on hand to deliver to Shaymus. In addition, WIU’s mascot, Rocky, came to the event and posed for pictures with the kids and families.

After the picture was taken, many of the families left and the night continued with two more relays under the sta-dium lights for the older par-ticipants—a standard 4x400-meter relay and the Breakfast Club Relay, which required each team member to eat two pancakes, drink a glass of milk, and run a 400 before

the next runner could take off. The relays were open to any-one on campus who wanted to put a team together, such as athletic teams, Greek orga-nizations, and faculty.

“That was Eric’s idea and it was the most exciting part of the night,” McGraw says. “We had seen similar races on the Internet, and we wanted to do something that everyone would enjoy.

“We presented the whole event as a way to have fun and help a local family in need,” he continues. “We also had music playing the whole night and tied a ton of bal-loons around the track and bleachers. That helped the atmosphere.”

Money was generated through T-shirt sales, entry fees, and other donations. A $10 fee

allowed kids to enter two track events and one field event, while relay entries were $20 per team and included a team photo with Rocky. The T-shirts—which were orange to celebrate Shaymus’ favor-ite color and depicted his two favorite animals, a penguin and a dinosaur, passing a relay baton—cost $10.

In another effort to raise funds, 30 students walked around the campus area for 90 minutes in groups of two or three prior to the event carrying decorated milk jugs. The students traveled door-to-door at residence halls, apart-ment complexes, and local businesses soliciting dona-tions, and collected $2,200.

McGraw and Anerino start-ed planning the May 1 event when they returned to campus from winter break in early Jan-

uary. They brainstormed ideas for the types of events they would include, then began creating all the documents, such as entry forms and T-shirt order forms, needed to orga-nize everything.

To publicize the event, they delivered entry forms to local schools and met with admin-istrators to request they announce the event to their student body. Getting the word out to the broader com-munity proved a little trickier.

“The only media we really hit hard was the campus newspa-per,” McGraw says. “We sent a press release to the local newspaper and radio station, but we never followed up with them. We just assumed they would run with it, and I think we could have gotten more publicity in those outlets if we pushed a little more.”

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Analisa Huschle stands next to her Minnesota high school long jump record. Her impressive launch of over 19 feet helped the girls’ Bagley-Fosston co-op team capture the Minnesota State High School League Class A championship last year. The girls’ teams formed a co-op in 2000, four years after the boys’ teams joined forces.

Still, the event was a phenom-enal success, with around 230 participants and hundreds more in attendance. “We hoped we could sell 100 shirts total and we ended up selling over 500,” McGraw says. “This year, we’ll be more prepared for the number of people, and it should be a lot less stressful since we’ll have all the docu-ments and paperwork done ahead of time. Last year, it was pretty much just the cross country and track teams that worked the event, along with three volunteers from the ath-letics office. But this year, we’ll work harder to recruit more volunteers.”

One additional goal this year is to have Shaymus himself attend the event. While the outlook wasn’t good when he was first diagnosed in November 2008, Shaymus’s health has since improved dramatically.

When all was said and done, the Western Illinois campus was left buzzing about the event, while the Guinn fam-ily was extremely grateful for all that was done. “Tony has had a tough time, but he’s so thankful to everyone who helped,” Morris says. “When Eric and Mike first approached me with this idea, it sounded great, but I thought it would be too much to pull off. How-ever, they put in a ton of work, thought of all the little things, and I don’t think it could have gone any better.”

The Co-op SolutionThe Bagley and Fosston High School campuses are exactly 18 miles apart. In rural Min-nesota, this makes the schools neighbors—and longtime rivals. But when both started seeing enrollment decline and began having a tough time fill-ing team rosters, they decided to put their rivalry aside and join hands in forming co-op squads for a few sports.

Two of those programs were boys’ and girls’ track and field, which joined swimming and diving, wrestling, ice hockey, and cross country in forming a co-op (the boys’ team in 1996 and the girls’ team in 2000). The situation has worked especially well in track and field, as the Bagley-Fosston girls’ squad raised the Minne-sota State High School League Class A championship trophy last spring. For Head Boys’ and Girls’ Coach Doug Carl-son, the move to a combined team was an easy choice.

“Each school had an athlete or two who would do pretty well individually, but there was nothing happening team-wise because neither school had enough numbers to compete,” he says. “By pairing up, we were able to give the kids at both schools the opportunity to continue doing something they were passionate about.”

When Carlson arrived on the Bagley campus over 30 years

son includes one practice at Bagley, one at Fosston, one or two split practices with the ath-letes staying on their own cam-puses, and one or two compe-tition days. Carlson has three assistant coaches at each cam-pus who can lead a practice, which helps a lot.

“It’s about a 20-minute bus ride between our schools, so any time we can reduce travel for the athletes, that’s a good thing,” Carlson says. “I have had kids leave the team after one year because of all the trav-el time. Unfortunately, there’s not too much I can do about it other than have the split prac-tices once or twice a week.”

When a meet is held west of the schools, a Bagley bus picks the Fosston athletes up on the way, and when a meet is east of the schools, Fosston picks up the Bagley athletes. It tends to work out that each school is responsible for picking up the other members of the team about half of the time.

ago, the senior class gradu-ated upwards of 125 students. Last year, only 70 students received diplomas, and Foss-ton has seen an even more severe decline. “We haven’t lost numbers fast, but little by little,” Carlson says. “This is happening nationwide. We’re seeing more and more co-ops—some with more than two schools—as a result.”

While a co-op was a natural fit, setting it up meant rethinking practices, deciding on team logos and colors, and building team unity in a different way. “It’s a lot of work to get the practice and meet schedules all coordinated,” Carlson says. “My philosophy is that as a head coach, I take care of the organizational duties and my assistant coaches concentrate on their specialties.”

Both Bagley and Fosston have track and field facilities on their campuses, so Carlson splits the week evenly between them. A typical week during the sea-


Carlson said the biggest chal-lenge, however, is creating team unity between the two groups of athletes. He empha-sizes the team concept in many ways, starting with a meet-and-greet at the begin-ning of each season where the athletes can reconnect. He also put great thought into the team name and uniforms.

“We only go by Bagley-Foss-ton Track,” he says. “We don’t have a logo or a nickname on any of our T-shirts or uniforms. When we order uniforms, I incorporate both schools’ col-ors. Fortunately, we both use maroon, so I just make sure there is also some gold for Bagley and gray for Fosston.

“The other tough part is over-coming any sense of rivalry, because in our sports that aren’t co-ops, Bagley and Fosston are very competitive,” Carlson continues. “I have kids who also play football or bas-ketball or wrestle, so I have to get them to come together with the other school’s ath-letes for our season. I have kids from opposite schools work together during drills whenever possible, and I think that dynamic helps them push each other a little bit harder.”

Carlson says that while there are some initial challenges to overcome when forming a co-op, there are some great benefits, too. “Aside from the obvious plus of allowing both schools to continue com-peting, the co-op has really helped us compete with other big-time schools in the state,” Carlson says. “Before the co-op, we may have had three Bagley girls who were strong relay runners, but we needed that fourth runner from Foss-ton to win. It makes everyone feel like they belong.

“It’s been a lot of fun, too,” Carlson continues. “Some of the kids have gotten to be pretty good friends. They’ll ask each other to their school dances or family get-togethers

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Ashland University Head Women’s Cross Country Coach Leigh Daniel and Head Men’s Cross Country Coach Nick Cordes were married last summer on the “Today Show.” The coaches won a televised contest and the show picked up the tab for the couple’s New York City wedding.

and parties. It’s great to see all the kids being friends and working hard together. We’re just as much of a team as any-one else.”

Running to the AltarThis past summer, Ashland Uni-versity Head Men’s Cross Coun-try Coach Nick Cordes and Head Women’s Cross Country Coach Leigh Daniel tied the knot in front of 140 family members, friends, coaches, ath-letes, and Al Roker. Al Roker?

The NBC “Today Show” weather personality, Matt Lau-er, and the rest of the “Today Show” cast were on hand because the Ashland coaches won the 10th annual “Today Show Throws a Wedding” competition. The ceremony was an all expenses-paid affair

broadcast live to millions of viewers from Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on July 15.

For over a month, the 30-year-old Daniel and 29-year-old Cordes competed against other couples for the right to have their wedding paid for by the “Today Show,” whose viewers would vote on the day’s details—from flowers and cake to the couple’s wedding attire and honeymoon destina-tion. “We really didn’t have to do anything to get ready—just show up,” says Daniel. “The show took care of everything. It was awesome.”

Daniel and Cordes discovered the contest shortly after they got engaged in February. Fol-lowing a morning training run, they saw an advertisement calling for couple submissions. “We usually watch the Today Show while we stretch,” Dan-

iel says. “When I saw they were taking applications for their annual wedding event I got really excited and told Nick, ‘We have to do this!’ It was perfect because we hadn’t made any major plans yet.”

The timing was also perfect. The contest was held over the summer while their athletes were training at home and didn’t conflict with either of their work schedules. Though Cordes was a bit skeptical about the idea, he consented and helped Daniel complete the application, which includ-ed filming a minute-long inter-view video. In May, the show’s producers called Cordes and Daniel and informed them they were one of 100 couples to make the initial cut.

“After that, they narrowed it down to 10 couples and came

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to our hometown and shot a video with us,” Daniel says. “Then, in mid-June it was trimmed to four couples and we had to go on the show to start the televised competition phase.”

Each week for a month, the couple traveled to New York to appear on the show and compete in a variety of con-tests designed to put their personalities on display. Then, at the end of each round, viewers voted on the couple they liked best, eliminating the couple with the fewest votes. “Every time we made it through a round we were totally shocked,” says Daniel.

Meanwhile back in Ohio, the track program, school, and the entire community rallied around Ashland’s newest celebrities. “Ashland athletes, coaches, fac-ulty, and community members

were all out campaigning to get us votes,” says Cordes. “Even coaches and athletes from com-peting schools were sending out e-mails asking people to support us.”

When the final votes were tal-lied in early July, “Today’s” viewers selected Cordes and Daniel as their favorite couple. Two weeks later, they were married on national television in a ceremony each described as “awesome.”

The most stressful part of the experience was compiling a confirmed guest list, which they had to do months before the ceremony. “We were allowed to invite only 130 or so people and we had to turn in a guest list with everyone’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address during the semi-final round,” Daniel says. “If somebody backed out, we

couldn’t replace them, so we had to make sure that those 130 people could all show up.”

Not wanting to play favorites, that initial list did not include any of their athletes. However, in the days leading up to the big event, “Today’s” produc-ers called and asked Cordes and Daniel to invite 15 Ash-land team members.

“We didn’t want to hurt any feelings, so we sent out an e-mail to all our runners saying the first 15 who replied would be invited to New York,” Dan-iel says. “Within 30 minutes, 15 people responded.”

The 15 runners carpooled to New York to witness the event. “It was really fun having them around,” Daniel says. “Nick’s runners really enjoyed seeing him all dressed up with make-up on.”

No strangers to competition, Cordes, the 2002 NCAA Divi-sion II cross country runner-up while competing for Ashland, and Daniel, a two-time NCAA Division I national champion distance runner at Texas Tech, met in 2003 while participat-ing on the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project Team, an Olympic development train-ing program based in Michi-gan. And now, as coaches at Ashland, the two are virtually inseparable.

“We’re hardly ever apart,” Daniel says. “Most days it’s wake up, go for a run, have breakfast, go to the office, hold practice, then come home and have dinner. The first thing we talk about when we get home after practice is each other’s teams. It’s not all we talk about, but it is a huge part of our lives and we enjoy sharing it with each other.”

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Q AIn his first 22 years at Bismarck (N.D.) High School, Darrell Anderson led the boys’ track and field teams to six indoor and three outdoor state championships

and won four girls’ and one boys’ cross country titles. He built the Demons into a perennial power-house, and could have retired at the top of his game.

Instead, in 2002 Anderson added co-head coach Dave Zittleman, who was hired at Bismarck as a phys. ed. teacher, and had previously coached at Minot State University and the Uni-

versity of Mary. Since then, the Demons have won six consecutive state titles in boys’ outdoor track and field, five state titles in boys’ cross country, and four boys’ indoor state championships.

A Bismarck alumnus, Anderson spent 20 years in radio programming while coaching several different Bismarck teams. In 1980, he began coaching the boys’ and girls’ cross country team, and added head coaching duties for boys’ track and field in 1989. Cross country split into two teams the next year, and he’s coached boys’ cross country and track and field ever since.

From 1983 to 1985, Anderson also worked as Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country at Bismarck State College. Now in his 30th year as a coach, he has been named a final-ist for the 2010 National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year Award by the National High School Coaches Association. In this interview, he talks about working as a co-head coach, the difference between coaching track and field and cross country, and rebuilding a program.

&Darrell Anderson Bismarck (N.D.) High School


CM: What has been the key to winning the last five cross country state titles? anderson: Consistency. We’re consistent in our training, we go year-round, and we run a lot of miles. We’re committed to our athletes, and we all understand our success depends on building strength and improving VO2 max.

We don’t adjust the workouts to the talent of the runners—we make the run-ners adjust to the workouts. We gauge workouts in minutes, not miles, and that’s helped a lot. Our goal is to teach them to run hard for 15 or 16 minutes and to do that, we run a lot of miles at a fast pace. The key is to get them comfortable run-ning every day, not focused on how many miles they’ve run.

How do you adjust volume over the course of a week?We do a long run on Sunday, with the younger athletes going for 60 or 65 min-utes and the older ones going 70 to 90 minutes. They run at a seven- or seven-and-a-half minute pace, and they usually get in 10 to 13 miles.

On Monday morning, we have a 25- or 30-minute run, and on Monday afternoon they run another 55 minutes to get a 10- or 11-mile day. On Tuesday, we rotate three different interval sessions. Our mainstay is six to nine 1,000s, with a 20-minute warmdown. The second is 10 800s

at race pace or close to it, depending on the time of the year. The third is 14 to 19 350s, with every third rep called a ham-mer, where they run very hard.

We’re in the pool on Wednesday morn-ing for a 25-minute session. They’re constantly moving, almost like treading water, and it’s a good hip and leg drive workout. Then Wednesday afternoon, we go for a nice, long run—usually 55 to 60 minutes. On Thursday, we do a tempo run at a five-and-a-half or six-minute pace for 20 to 30 minutes with a 10-minute warmdown. And on Friday, we do 55 min-utes of running and then come back for a series of striders.

Do you alter workouts to ensure run-ners peak at the end of the season?We don’t believe in the word “peak.” We prefer “sharpening.” We don’t come down a whole lot in our training—15 or 20 percent is the most we’ll shave from what we normally do. We maintain a good, even level and sharpen through the last couple of weeks.

After coaching for more than 20 years, why did you add a co-head coach?Dave is one of the most respected coach-es in the state, and I’ve known him since we ran against each other in high school and college. When Dave applied to work here as a phys. ed. teacher, my athletic director asked if I wanted him to help

Now a freshman at the University of Portland, Joash Osoro excelled at Bis-marck after growing up in Kenya. He finished 67th in this fall’s NCAA Divi-sion I Cross Country Championships.

lead the team, and I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I had the option to step down, but I didn’t feel fulfilled yet.

Dave came in, assessed our workouts, and said, “Darrell, we’ve got to make some changes, because I want to win, and I think the kids here will come on board.” Since then, we’ve seen improve-ments in everyone.

It revitalized me, and I felt like I was coaching for the first time again. For me, the best feeling you can have is going to your state championship meet with no regrets about anything you did all sea-son. There were years when I thought, “I should have done this, or I should have done that,” but I have no doubts that what we’re doing now is right. Our kids are feeling good about themselves, which is the real reason we’re here: to increase

their self confidence and help them achieve in the bigger game of life.

How do you and Coach Zittleman divide responsibilities? Dave tends to be more of the in-house

guy, taking care of the paper-work and finding time over the course of the day to make contact with the kids. He gen-erally talks to the team as a whole, and I work with the kids individually. But we’re always on the same page, speaking with one voice.

He’ll propose a weekly or bi-weekly training schedule, and we’ll look at it together

and make changes as needed. We have a lot of shared confidence, and we don’t miss anything, because we double-check everything we do. The kids benefit from having two of us, and neither of us feels overwhelmed.

How does your approach to track and field compare to your approach to cross country?Coaching cross country is like managing a

department, and coaching track and field is like being the CEO of a large corpora-tion. Cross country is certainly a lot easier to handle, but with track and field, when you’ve got all your department heads up to date, your reach is much broader. It’s taught me to multitask, educate myself, and put a lot of trust in the people around me. We’ve both learned that to maintain a level of enthusiasm and keep kids excited, we need to trust one another.

How did you build the track and field program 20 years ago?By talking to kids. I went from sport to sport, talking, listening, and gaining their trust. I found kids who normally wouldn’t have come out, and worked hard getting eighth graders to come on board. Track had been very popular at Bismarck High when I was a student—we won the state title all three years I ran in high school, plus the six years prior to that, but when I took over the program in 1989, it had been a long time since our last title. I focused on getting that enthusiasm back.

What did you learn from Bruce Whit-ing, your coach at Bismarck and North Dakota State?


“I’ve learned not to base my happiness on winning all the time and find my reward in helping kids reach their goals.”

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Q A&


coaching 30 years later. All I knew was that I loved running and being around runners.

How do you deal with the weather?Winter can be hard in North Dakota. But it’s given us an edge, too. It’s made us tougher, more resilient. Living here in the winter is a lot like running a race. You’ve got to deal with it, battle through it, and win the day. Because if you don’t, it will consume you.

It’s a real challenge to keep motivated when it’s zero degrees outside and there’s a foot of snow on the ground. But if the schedule says we’re supposed to run, that’s what we do. On really bad days, we can use treadmills, but we’d much rather be outside.

The star of last year’s cross country team was Joash Osoro, who’s now at the University of Portland. What did you learn by working with him?I learned to appreciate everything I have. Joash grew up as an AIDS orphan living on a dirt floor in Kenya, and never took anything for granted. He told me, “If I can’t stay in school, I have to go

I learned that complaining doesn’t make you better, there are no shortcuts to suc-cess, and not everything in life is fair. Tal-ent levels aren’t even, so all you can do is improve yourself. I learned patience, and that if you’re willing to work hard enough, dreams can come true.

Did you always want to coach? I got the itch back in high school, no question about it. I was running the mile and two-mile, and I was kind of a cheer-leader, the guy who always offered encouragement to everyone else. When practice was over, I didn’t leave. I watched the hurdlers, vaulters, jumpers, throwers, and was at least as interested in what they were doing as I was about my own events. I couldn’t read enough books about training, and I would call anyone who might talk to me.

I didn’t think there was any way to coach if I wasn’t involved in teaching, and I knew I was going into radio. But in 1980, two years after I graduated college, I was asked to fill in for a cross country coach who resigned a week before prac-tice started at Bismarck, and here I am. I never went into this thinking I’d still be

back, and I don’t want to go back.” His life is precious to him, and we used that as a motivational tool for our team. We reminded the runners that compared to what he’s endured in his life, what we have to do in a 60-minute run is nothing. Nothing. He’s a phenomenal talent and I won’t be surprised to see him competing in the Olympics.

What’s kept you coaching for so long?The kids motivate me, and I hope they’ve learned as much from me as I’ve learned from them. I really believe in what this sport teaches kids: tolerance, patience, and the discipline to achieve your goals. How much longer can I continue? I go year by year.

Even in the two years when we weren’t competitive, there were still great moments. I’ve learned not to base my happiness on winning all the time and find my reward in helping kids reach their goals. We enjoy each other’s company, and I must be doing some-thing right, because I haven’t yet woken up one morning wishing I was some-where else. When that happens, I’ll know I’m done.

Circle No. 108

Danielle Tauro, of the University of Michigan, suffered a foot injury that forced her out of much of the 2009 cross country season. Head Women’s Track and Field Coach John Henry educates himself on how to get athletes like Tauro back on track.

ennifer randazzo’s college cross coun-try memories aren’t of long training runs where she bonded with team-mates. They aren’t of podium finishes or achieving new personal records. Instead, she remembers the inside of the athletic training room, handling leaky ice bags while enduring continu-ous pain in her legs, and missing a lot of competition time due to injury.

“Because I was overtraining prior to and in college, I wasn’t able to compete—I could barely run,” says Randazzo, now Head Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Coach at Carlmont High School in Belmont, Calif. “When I did compete, my times were so awful that I didn’t even want to be out there. I wish I had known a lot more about overuse injuries then.”

Danny Brabham, Assistant Men’s and Women’s Head Coach at Baylor University, was an all-around competitor in college, running relays and competing in the long jump and pole vault. He recalls sustaining

J multiple stress fractures during his col-legiate career, and even feeling as though he could barely walk one year—let alone compete.

“I was competing anyway,” he says. “The pain was just written off as shin splints. I’d ice, heat, and get back out there to do what I was supposed to do.”

As coaches, Brabham and Randazzo now work hard to protect their athletes from similar experiences. More and more, today’s coaches are trying to understand overuse injuries instead of ignoring them. The keys are learning to identify them, figuring out their cause, and most impor-tantly, preventing them before they arise.

“If you’re not aware of what overuse inju-ries are and how they occur, you will over-use your athletes,” says Dr. Mark Halstead, Assistant Professor in the Departments

COVER STORY

Track and field athletes log a lot of miles to obtain peak performance. How do you make sure such intense training doesn’t spawn overuse injuries?

Abigail Funk is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. She can be reached at: [email protected].

BY ABIGAIL FUNK


A HEALTHY PACE

of Pediatrics and Orthopedics at Washington University in St. Louis. “I have seen plenty of athletes whose coaches have not paid attention to their pain. It’s disconcerting.”

Sport SpecificOveruse injuries are just what they

sound like: When an athlete’s body is overused, it begins to break down. In runners, there are two common forms. The first is tendonitis, which is often called runner’s knee, where tendons break down under strain and stress. The second is stress fractures, where repetitive pounding can cause bones to weaken and crack.

Injuries—both to tendons and bones—are most frequently seen in run-ners’ lower legs and feet, but more seri-ous overuse injuries can include stress fractures to big bones like the femur and pelvis. Though field event athletes can also sustain overuse injuries, to a thrower’s hand or shoulder, for instance, they are much more rare.

For track and field and cross country runners, however, overuse injuries are fairly common. Studies over the past decade estimate that up to 70 percent of runners sustain an overuse injury every year they compete. James Henry, Head Women’s Coach at the University of Michigan for almost 25 years, attributes much of the high rate to the unique nature of the sport.

“Track and field differs from a lot of other sports because it’s not stop-and-go during competition, especially for our distance runners,” he says. “I’ve had my share of problems with overuse injuries as a coach, and I think a lot of it is because of the constant demand placed on athletes’ bodies.”

Brabham, who is also a personal strength and conditioning coach and has designed strength programs for some of the world’s top runners, including Olympic champions Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner, agrees. “Overuse injuries are more prevalent in track and field and cross country than other sports purely because of the intensity level of the sport,” he says. “College cross coun-try runners, for example, run 80 to 100 miles a week, on top of their speed train-ing and running at meets.”

Role Of The CoachHalstead, a lifelong runner himself,

attributes any sport’s overuse injuries at least in part to the pressure athletes feel. “Some coaches insist that athletes cannot be on the team if they’re hurt,” Halstead says. “Kids, of course, want to be a part of the team, so they feel pres-sure to keep going even when they’re injured. This can set them up for major problems down the road.

“Coaches need to be advocates for their athletes,” he continues. “Unfortunately, some coaches get the false impression that a kid who looks to be struggling isn’t working hard enough when it may be just the opposite—they may be working too hard. Coaches have a huge role to play in preventing over-use injuries.”

Henry actively educates himself about overuse inju-ries. “Coaches may not be experts on certain topics like overuse injury prevention, but a good coach will try to get as much information as possible and then incorpo-rate that information into their training philosophy,” he says. “Sometimes, it’s just a matter of experience working with your student-athletes and paying atten-tion to their performance.”

Halstead treats athletes at all levels of competition and wishes more of their coaches were aware of overuse. “Even when I tell patients their pain is likely caused by something they’re doing in their training and offer to talk to their coach, coaches rarely call me back,” he says. “I had a girl from a high school team with a very bad stress fracture in her leg, and her coach didn’t believe her until I printed out the MRI and circled the swelling and the crack.

“At the other end of the spectrum, three years ago, a local high school coach called me worried about the inju-ries on his team,” Halstead continues. “He was the first coach I ever dealt with who called me to ask if he was doing something wrong with his training. We went through exactly what he was doing with the athletes, and I ended up telling him he was probably doing the right thing and was just having some bad luck with injuries.”

Since their conversation, the coach has invited Halstead to speak to his team about injury prevention, proper nutri-

tion, and other ways to stay healthy. “I’m happy to do things like that, and I’m sure there are many doctors who would do the same,” he says. “A lot of times, coaches just don’t ask.”

Practicing Prevention A coach’s most important job in this

area is preventing overuse injuries in the first place. For Jeff Hoskins, Head Boys’ and Girls’ Coach at South Eugene (Ore.) High School, doing just that is an integral part of his coaching philosophy.

“I use what is called a preventative training philosophy,” says Hoskins, who is also Head Coach of the Emerald Valley Track Club, a nonprofit youth

organization sponsored by USA Track & Field, and Vice Chairman of USATF of Oregon. “I take into account factors like age development, maturity, experi-ence, distance of race, length of season, and competition level, then separate my athletes into three groups.”

Group one includes Hoskins’s most experienced athletes, usually varsity or returning athletes who have weight-room experience and have performed well in the past. Group three is made up mostly of freshmen who may not be able to physically handle the same workload. And group two includes the athletes who fall somewhere in the middle.

“Some boys, for example, don’t mature physically until they’re juniors in high school and if I overload them on mileage too soon, I will definitely see foot and ankle injuries,” Hoskins says. “Identifying the groups has been incred-ibly beneficial to my program.”

Henry, who uses the periodization training method, breaks his team down

“Neuromuscular training—teaching correct biomechan-ics—is a very important part of workouts for younger athletes. Once neuromus-cular dynamic patterns are strengthened, the whole body is stronger. Coaches don’t emphasize that enough.”


COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

out the season will keep athletes free of overuse injuries and peaking at the right time. The most important part of that equation is not doing too much too soon.

“Coaches probably give their athletes off-season or summer training program recommendations, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows them,” Halstead says. “Don’t punish those runners by making them run more during pre-season because that’s a great way to get overuse injuries.”

The Baylor program is especially cau-tious with freshmen. “We have some kids right out of high school who are not used to the heavy training we do,

so we have to be careful with them,” Brabham says. “In high school, a lot of athletes go from football to basketball to a short track season where in a month or two they’re already in district and state meets. They never went through intense training before they arrived here.”

One way the Golden Bears ease into the season is by starting out running off the track. Sprinters, for example, begin with 16 200-meter runs on the grass, gradually replacing one each day with a run on the track until the workouts are entirely on the track.

“We start out pretty slow,” Brabham says. “We never have overuse problems in the fall because that early soft surface

even further. “I separate athletes into six or eight groups based on their endur-ance, maturity, strength levels, and how far they feel they can go,” he says. “Early in the season, my athletes dictate their own pace, volume, and intensity. Then, as we move forward into another peri-odization unit, I’ll tell them to increase everything by about 20 percent. Those who can handle 20 percent more will, and those who can’t will do about 10 percent more.”

Hoskins believes that if more coach-es took the time early in the season to identify their athletes this way, the rate of overuse injuries would plummet. A steady training progression through-

CHANGING A CULTURE

When Jennifer Randazzo took over the boys’ and girls’ cross country program at Carlmont high School in Belmont, Calif., this past year, she replaced a successful longtime head coach. not only was she the new coach on campus, she also planned

to completely revamp how the team trained.

“there had always been a lot of good runners on the team, but there were also a lot of injuries,” Randazzo says. “i’m talking about really intense injuries, like a couple of stress fractures to the femur, which isn’t com-mon in running—especially in high school.”

Randazzo learned the previous coach assigned athletes 100 training miles a week. Upon her arrival, she liter-ally cut their mileage in half, which many athletes were unhappy about. She soon found out they were supple-menting her workouts outside of practice so they could still log 100 miles.

“they were under the impression that they had to run 100 miles a week to be successful and run in college,” Randazzo says. “i decided right then and there that i wasn’t going to be responsible for anyone getting injured, so i had them all sign a contract that stated they would not train outside our regular practices.”

although there was resistance at first, all the athletes eventually signed before the Scots began the regular season. “getting them to understand the reasoning behind it was hard,” Randazzo says. “in the past, they

were breaking times early in the season, but couldn’t do it again as the season continued. the athletes thought that was okay, though, because that one great time would land them a scholarship or at least get them into college.

“athletes are very concerned about their performance and time,” she continues. “they think the only way to make themselves better is to do more. When you’re young, you’re very stubborn about that. i certainly was, so i don’t blame some of the kids on my team for being that way.”

Randazzo also had to make the athletes’ parents understand, which took a little longer. Winning both the boys’ and girls’ league titles in november certainly didn’t hurt her case.

“i’ve gotten through to most of the parents now,” Randazzo says. “they realized no one was injured at all this year—not one overuse injury. our times improved steadily throughout the season and our top runners peaked at the end of the season and set personal records. i think they’ve realized that a lower number of higher quality miles can work if done the right way.

“Running is not a sport you only do in high school,” she continues. “Most runners don’t actually peak until their late 20s or early 30s, so it’s sad to see so many great runners in high school not be able to succeed in college and beyond because they pushed too hard. this was something i felt was important to address right away, and i’m glad we had a happy ending.”

work helps athletes’ legs adjust.”Another way coaches can prevent over-

use injuries is by implementing a strength training program. “I always stress strength training, especially for girls’ track and cross country runners,” Halstead says. “Unfortunately, a lot of coaches and run-ners are afraid to do any strength training because they’re worried they’re going to get big, bulky muscles. But we know that doesn’t happen in women, and runners would have a lot fewer injuries if they incorporated strength training with their cardio work.”

“Girls especially do not have strong cores, and boys don’t strengthen their quads and hamstrings enough,” Hoskins adds. “It’s a byproduct of a one-dimen-sional program that doesn’t include strength work.

“Neuromuscular training—teach-ing correct biomechanics—is a very important part of workouts for younger athletes,” he continues. “Once neuro-muscular dynamic patterns are strength-ened, the whole body is stronger. Coaches don’t emphasize that enough.”

Coaches can also include cross train-ing with low impact work to give ath-letes’ bodies a break. This could mean pool running, cycling, or an elliptical trainer workout once every week or two. “If my athletes have any type of pain coming on, we always cross train the next day,” Randazzo says. “It’s not worth it to train on something that hurts. It means they’re not giving them-selves the proper rest time.”

Checking InNo one knows how your ath-

letes’ bodies are feeling better than they do. It’s crucial for coaches to constantly check in with them to ask how they’re doing.

“Your first line of defense is open communication with your athletes,” Henry says. “If athletes think I don’t trust them or are intimidated by me and they’re having pain, they’re not going to say anything to me. We could then have a potentially severe situation if they

don’t tell me they’re hurt. So I try to establish that trust and communication with my athletes on a daily basis.

“It’s especially important to commu-nicate about this stuff early on,” he con-tinues. “I say, ‘This is what we’ve set out

to do, but if you find yourself challenged too much, you have a responsibility to decrease what you’re doing.’ Athletes in other programs with higher injury rates seem to be pushing too far without com-municating with their coaches.”

Halstead says you don’t have to wait

COVER STORY

“I know coaches worry about athletes who may be looking for an excuse, but if athletes tell you they’re hurt, they probably are.”


Circle No. 110

for an athlete to come to you. “If you see someone who is struggling in practice, ask how they’re doing,” he says. “If they tell you the activity seems to be aggravat-ing a particular area of their body, don’t push them through that.

“I know coaches worry about athletes who may be looking for an excuse, but if athletes tell you they’re hurt, they prob-ably are,” Halstead continues.

“I always check in with my kids before and after practice to see how they’re

feeling,” Randazzo adds. “At first, they weren’t used to it and I think they were scared to tell me if they were hurting because it meant I wouldn’t allow them to compete. But after some time, we established trust with each other and they’re open with me now.”

Brabham thinks college-level athletes are more likely to speak up for them-selves now than when he was in school. “If athletes say they have a hot spot, it’s really to the advantage of the coach to


COVER STORY

shut it down,” he says. “We need to be cognizant of the fact that when kids say, ‘My legs are killing me,’ pushing them through may mean they won’t even be able to finish the season.”

Even when you do everything in your power to help your athletes guard against overuse injuries, there’s no guar-antee they will all stay healthy. But an overuse injury caught early enough may just mean a week of running on the grass instead of the track, and even a serious overuse injury doesn’t have to spell the end of their career.

That’s why, along with listening to your athletes, having a good relationship

with your school’s athletic training staff is incredibly important. Baylor’s coaches meet weekly with the team’s athletic trainer, and Brabham never hesitates to send athletes to the athletic training room.

“I don’t scare athletes when I send them off,” he says. “I just tell them, ‘We’ll see what the athletic trainers say. We may have you do some work on the grass tomorrow and the next day and then we’ll get right back into it. Our ath-letic trainers are knowledgeable about the symptoms of injuries, and we have to trust what they tell us.’”

“If an athlete is hurting, it’s impor-tant to find out why and address the issue so they get better rather than pushing through it,” Halstead says. “It all comes down to listening to your athletes and respecting that they may truly be in pain that’s affecting their ability to run. The last philosophy we want any runner to have, especially because this is a sport they could potentially be participating in for the rest of their lives, is that it’s okay to run with pain.” n

“The last philosophy we want any runner to have, especially because this is a sport they could potentially be participat-ing in for the rest of their lives, is that it’s okay to run with pain.”

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Circle No. 111

uring his 20-plus years coaching, Jim Long can recall only a couple of

instances when someone really got under his skin.

But one in particular stands out to the Brenham (Texas) High

School Head Baseball Coach. No matter what Long did, a parent

of one of his athletes took issue with the coach’s decisions. The parent constantly approached Long with complaints after games and eventually went to the ath-

leadership


MiC

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letic director and school board to air his criticisms. Long even had to defend himself in front of school board mem-bers. Fortunately, the board sided with Long, but the whole process made him aware of an emerging reality: handling negative feedback effectively is part of a coach’s job.

“For whatever reason, I’ve found that fans today, especially parents, think they have a right to do or say whatever they want when it comes to coaches and athletics,” Long says. “We’re not going

Mike Phelps is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. He can be reached at: [email protected].

BY MIKE PHELPS

to stop them, so it’s up to each coach to understand the best way to deal with that criticism and not let it affect your team.”

Just Ignore It?In the middle of a busy season with

practices and contests consuming all your time, it can be tempting to ignore

Quelling the Critics

DNowadays, coaches get bombarded with criticism from every angle. Learning how to handle it with composure is key to success (and staying sane).

criticism that comes your way and hope that it will eventually disappear. But that tactic can easily backfire.

Chuck Wilcoxen, Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at Principia College, says it’s important to engage with anyone who is delivering criticism or negative feedback. “If someone is upset about something, sooner or later they have to get it out,” he says. “If they sit on it, it’s going to simmer longer, and that just makes them more upset, which isn’t good for you, and isn’t good for the program. Even if it’s the same parent again and again with things you don’t think are justified, you have to let the person be heard.”

That’s why instead of ignoring it, many coaches suggest developing a phi-losophy and strategy for dealing with negative feedback. And the number-one item of a good strategy is to always stay calm, even if the other person is not.

“Getting mad is not productive what-soever,” Long explains. “That can make you look worse than the person com-plaining, which you never want. You

need to remember you’re dealing with people who, because of their emotions, are making ignorant decisions. When I think of it that way, these situations are a lot easier to deal with.”

For Karen Kunka, Head Volleyball Coach at North Central College, staying calm requires taking a step back. Rather than responding immediately, she sets up a meeting to discuss the complaint. “If you let a discussion go on in the heat of the moment, you can get backed into a corner with someone screaming at you,” she says.

Instead, Kunka likes to gain perspec-tive on the situation and think through her solution, rather than being forced into a snap decision or appearing defen-sive. “You have to allow yourself to pull back from a situation a little bit,” she says. “I also like to have someone I can run things past, like an assistant coach, before I react.”

Wilcoxen takes a similar approach. “Don’t react when you’re having the initial discussion,” he says. “Hash things out by yourself when you’re not dealing

leadership


with any feelings of defensiveness or anger. With a little perspective, you may even find that the person has an excel-lent point that will make you a better coach.”

In fact, Wilcoxen tries to learn from all feedback. “What may at first seem to be a petty complaint can actually be very valuable information,” he says. “For example, parents know things about their kids that coaches don’t. The first couple years I coached I was probably a little defensive, but the more open I was to others’ opinions, the more I learned. If a kid tells me they’re feeling great, and I find out from the parents that they’re not, that’s good information.”

The Parent TrapFor most coaches, the largest source

of complaints is parents. That’s why many coaches have developed formal policies on how parents should voice their concerns.

One standard and effective rule is to never talk to a parent about anything sig-nificant immediately following a contest.

Circle No. 112

Whenever Long is confronted by a parent after a game, he’ll tell the parent that he’d be happy to speak with them and address the problem, but not right now.

“I’ll ask them if we can set up a time the next day to discuss it,” he says. “It gives me and the parent a little time to relax and think about the situation. People usually make dumb decisions when they’re really upset.”

Kunka uses a similar policy, but with an added twist. She insists the player her-self be involved in the discussion.

For example, North Central’s 2008 squad included 18 freshmen among nearly 30 players, and playing time was understandably limited. One freshman’s parent e-mailed to voice her displeasure over her daughter’s playing time.

“In my reply, I said that I would be happy to discuss this matter—with the parent and the child present at the same time,” Kunka says. “Nine times out of 10, the player doesn’t even know the parent sent the e-mail or called. I’m happy to talk with parents, but not without their child knowing about it.

“Usually, I don’t hear from those par-ents again,” she continues. “They want to express their complaint but they don’t want their child to know.”

There are a host of other complaints parents may have brewing. Long tries to keep an ear open to them so they can be addressed quickly. If he believes a parent is having an adverse affect on the team, he will speak to the parent immediately.

“I’ll bring the parent in and the first thing I’ll do is let them air things out,” he says. “Then I’ll try to explain exactly what’s going on and why we as coaches do what we do. Once the parent has a chance to speak in private and vent, they

usually calm down and you don’t have any further problems.”

At Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Ga., Head Girls’ Basketball

Coach Kathy Richey-Walton has found it effective to have one parent serve as a liaison between her and the rest of the parent group. “This parent is very good at find-ing out what the problem is, then telling the parents he’ll talk to me and make sure I’m aware of their concerns,” she says. “From there, I’ll decide how the situation needs to be handled.”

Managing Media Of course, unsolicited

feedback isn’t limited to parents of players. Whether it’s on television, over the radio, in the newspaper, or on the Internet, the media are also a regular source of criticism.

However, criticism by the media should be handled very differently than that from parents. When parents com-plain there is a lot of emotion involved that will remain until the situation is dealt with. Criticism from the media is part of what sells newspapers and often will be forgotten tomorrow.

Ed Terwilliger, Head Football Coach at Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, says the key with report-ers is to take a professional approach. Understand that their job is to analyze your team’s performance and that their criticism is not personal. When there is controversy, explain your decisions and then let it go.

“I embrace the media,” he says. “I’m not the kind of coach who will get upset over an article and then refuse to return their calls. I understand the media has a job to do.”

At Brenham, a local radio station broadcasts the school’s baseball games and Long does a postgame interview with the radio crew. “I like to let people know where I’m coming from,” Long says. “They may disagree with me, but at least they know the reason I did it. If a parent comes at you after a game, they don’t really deserve a response, but it’s nice to explain yourself in the media.”

If something is said or written in the media when Long doesn’t have the chance to immediately respond, he’ll just let it go. For him, it’s not worth getting involved in a back-and-forth.

“It’s someone’s opinion,” he says. “I don’t think I need to justify myself in every situation or call the reporter to ask why he or she wrote this. I would never

leadership


“The first thing I’ll do is let the parent air things out. Then I’ll try to explain exactly what’s going on and why we as coaches do what we do. Once the parent has a chance to speak in private and vent, they usually calm down and you don’t have any further problems.”

While it’s important to have a great plan in place to deal with unsolicited feedback, you can also work on nipping any potential criticism in the bud through up-front communica-tion. Keeping parents in the loop is a great place to start.“We have a parent meeting before the season begins to go over logistics, who’s going to play, and how we’ll make our decisions,” says Jim Long, Head Baseball Coach at Brenham (Texas) High School. “You’ll always have people who disagree with you, but a meeting like that can help stop many complaints.”

In addition to a preseason parents meeting, Ed Terwilliger, Head Football Coach at Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, has a meeting with the parents of his team captains at the conclusion of each season, where he lays the groundwork for the upcom-ing off-season. Then, in May, he holds another meeting with all the parents to reaffirm his philosophy, clear up any questions, and discuss the summer schedule.

“If someone comes to me with a com-plaint, my first question to them is, ‘Were you at my parent meeting?’ Usually they weren’t,” Terwilliger says. “At that time, I’ll pull out the handouts and catch them up on what we talked about.”

A LITTLE PREVENTION


leadership

do that. If people think a sports writer has all the answers, then that’s their problem.”

Administrative SupportWhen complaints rise above gar-

den-variety venting, there is one more strategy to employ: Keep school adminis-trators informed. “Whenever a situation develops, I will go to our administrators to make them aware of what’s going on,” Richey-Walton says. “They appreciate being in the loop so they won’t be blind-sided if someone brings it up.”

Terwilliger agrees. “Administrators have so many things to do, the last thing they want is to be out in public and hear about how the football coach is an idiot,” he says. “Any information I give to parents, I also give to my athletic director and principal. It’s documenta-tion that they can read at their leisure and say, ‘This is what Coach Terwilliger is doing.’”

Keeping your administrators in the loop means little, however, if you’re not open and honest with them. “You head

off a lot of problems just by being com-pletely honest from the get-go,” Wilcoxen says. “Most misunderstandings are com-pounded by people at either end feeling they have to hide something about the situation. If you’re withholding any information or misrepresent-ing anything, your anxiety is just going to spiral.”

Also remember that adminis-trators can be your allies. “One of the things I’ve learned is to always have someone else in on the con-versation if I foresee a problem,” Kunka says. “There have been times when someone has been really upset about something and didn’t get the response they wanted from me. So I’ve brought in to the meeting an assistant athletic director or our senior woman administrator. It’s important to have a third party present so there can’t be any ‘he said, she said,’ afterward.”

Wilcoxen believes that the support he receives from administrators also makes him more confident when dealing with

criticism. “If you feel you’re supported, you’re much more comfortable acknowl-edging you might have made a mistake,” he says. “I’ve always had what I feel to be unconditional support from my ath-

letic directors. So I can say, ‘Well, maybe I screwed up,’ and not worry about losing my job.

“But, even more important, that feel-ing of confidence then comes across to the people you’re speaking with,” he con-tinues. “That allows a productive conversa-tion where no one feels threatened—and really great things can happen.” n

“I’ve learned to always have someone else in on the conversation if I foresee a problem ... Then there can’t be any ‘he said, she said,’ afterward.”

Circle No. 113

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Dwight Stones-10 time World Record holder

-Olympian

ost coaches use a mix of art and science to mea-sure their team’s gains. they combine observations with times and distances to figure out where athletes need to improve.

Recently, many athletic programs have added another tool for assessing athletes: systematic body composition testing. here at texas a&M University, we regard individual and aggregate team body com-position data as essential in evaluating nutrition outcomes and their impact on performance.

Body composition analysis may seem simple. Decreases in body fat and increas-

Optimum perfOrmance

coachesnetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 25

Amy Bragg is Director of Performance Nutrition at Texas A&M University. She can be reached at: [email protected].

M

ERRO

L A

ND

ERSO

N

es in lean mass mean the athlete’s condi-tioning has improved. But the numbers themselves don’t tell the whole story. analyzing the scores correctly and pro-viding the right advice is what makes the testing worthwhile.

Best Usesa decade ago, body composition was

measured using calipers. today, we can also choose from a Bod Pod, underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance analy-sis, or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry

Porscha Lucas (far left), won the 200 meters for Texas A&M at the 2009 outdoor nationals after

finishing 2nd in 2008.

At Texas A&M University, analyz-ing athletes’ body composition for lean mass is part of the formula that led to NCAA Division I out-door titles for both the men’s and women’s teams last spring.

BY AMY BRAGG

composed to win

(DXA), which is what we use at Texas A&M. Regardless of the method, there are many ways to use the results.

A major benefit of body comp testing is that it builds confidence in the training and nutrition plans we provide for our ath-letes. When hard work results in increases in lean mass, athletes buy into our exper-tise and the program as a whole.

The results also provide a form of motivation. Working toward a specific body comp goal can keep athletes’ com-petitive fires stoked through grueling workouts and challenging eating plans.

Our staff has found body composition testing to be particularly valuable for track athletes. These athletes might not need radical changes, and may see very little change in scale weight, but a pris-tine picture emerges when lean mass and body fat changes are quantified. If the scale only moves by two pounds, it may easily be dismissed as miniscule change.

But body comp testing could reveal a lean mass increase of eight pounds and decrease of body fat by five pounds—sud-denly the athlete feels quite differently about his or her results!

Body comp testing can be especially helpful when athletes are not on campus. “We can track changes in lean mass over semester breaks and hold athletes account-able while they’re away,” says Raychelle Ellsworth, Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at Texas A&M. “It gives an accurate picture of each athlete’s training intensity and fre-quency when they are not here with us.”

For those student-athletes who require extra motivation, frequent body composi-tion measurement can keep them on track. The incremental feedback rein-forces the importance of good decisions and demonstrates that poor nutritional choices carry a heavy price.

Individual Approaches We often use body comp analysis in

different ways for different athletes. For those with very poor eating habits who need large improvements in body comp,

we’ll focus on the basics. We provide nutrition education and counseling so they are able to see their numbers change fairly quickly.

For the athlete who has naturally ideal composition, we’ll take a more detailed approach. We talk about how small, incremental changes can make a differ-ence. For weight-sensitive athletes, testing results can show positive trends not appar-ent on a bathroom scale, which is integral to building and sustaining healthy train-ing and eating habits. “The success story I see most often is the athlete who has been asked to lose weight for performance ben-efits,” says Ruth Taylor, Sports Nutritionist at the University of Georgia.

“The athlete has been following a healthy performance meal plan and training hard, but is not seeing a change in weight measured on the scale, so both the athlete and coach are frustrated,” Taylor explains. “When the body compo-

sition results show us a loss of fat and gain in muscle, they can plainly see that they are reaching their goals.”

At the same time, it’s critical to red flag any athletes who treat body fat measure-ments as a point of obsession, which can indicate or lead to an eating disorder. In these instances, we stress that body com-position is great feedback, but not the only measure of performance. For their own health and safety, results may be with-held from these athletes on occasion.

A great way to begin the discussion with a possible at-risk athlete is to ask something like, “Based on your training and eating, what are you expecting from today’s body scan?” Obsessive athletes never give themselves credit for good eat-ing patterns—they only think about their indulgences. Sharing positive results rein-forces moderation and a constructive outlook on nutrition and training.

In fact, to prevent overvaluing body comps, we do not share results with stu-dent-athletes until we have two scans to compare. A body composition or body fat percentage “magic number” doesn’t mat-ter nearly as much as a positive change

over time. Handling results in this man-ner is consistent with our educational message and frames the results in a real-istic, healthy way.

To best manage those who overvalue the tests, we continually monitor body comp to ensure body fat does not trend dangerously low, and reinforce the message that zero body fat is not the goal. If athletes don’t receive education and reasonable goals from professionals, they turn to less credible sources of information.

We do, however, use the initial body composition scan as a screening tool for disordered eating. Nothing illustrates compromised nutritional intake quite like bone density. Using the volume of scans we have collected since early 2006, we’ve compiled bone density averages for our female athletes. For distance runners it is 1.171, for sprinters it is 1.31, and for jumpers it is 1.29 (in mg/cm3). When an athlete’s initial scan results are sig-nificantly lower than the average, we fol-low up with a full nutritional assessment and appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Scans may be repeated to assess progress and changes in bone density and overall body composition.

Another reason we do body comps is to develop a rapport between the sports nutritionist and student-athletes. Every Texas A&M athlete undergoes a body comp test, followed by a meeting with a nutritionist. Too often, athletes perceive a referral for nutrition consultation as something for the “problem” athletes, the “big guys,” or eating-disordered ath-letes. When everyone meets with the nutritionist, nutrition becomes import-nat for all athletes and another element in optimizing sport performance.

Coaching PointsWhen using body comp as an assess-

ment tool, the key is to provide clear nutrition advice along with the num-bers. The most disconcerting situation for a student-athlete is body composi-tion assessment without personal feed-back and actionable tasks. This feedback should include perspective on the indi-vidual’s development, nutrition coach-ing, and practical strategies.

Here are four common body comp test results, and our typical responses:

On the right track. Athletes who show increases in lean mass and decreases in body fat are likely making quality nutri-tional choices. We reinforce the posi-

Optimum perfOrmance

26 CoaChing ManageMent coachesnetwork.com

When using body comp as an assessment tool, the key is to provide clear nutrition advice along with the numbers. The most disconcerting situation for a stu-dent-athlete is body composition assessment without personal feedback and actionable tasks.

Optimum perfOrmance

composition data, remind athletes not to over-emphasize their baseline test results.

Case StudyWe use the above guidelines as a basis

for more specific plans for an athlete or team. Then, the strength coach, ath-letic trainer, and I typically analyze the individual and aggregate data to form practical recommendations. We had one interesting situation recently that I offer as a case study.

Working with our track athletes the last few years, we had grown accustomed to seeing amazing body composition and fitness levels among freshmen. For one athlete, however, our initial body compo-sition screening showed significantly low bone mass and density. The athlete was invited in for an appointment, and screen-ing continued as we inquired about body image and diet, looking for evidence of disordered eating. After finding nothing, I talked to the athletic trainer and coach to learn more about the athlete in question.

From them, I found the missing piece of the puzzle. The athlete’s home envi-

ronment was fraught with food insecurity. There was a family history of obesity, and the athlete initially began running to con-trol her weight. She lacked confidence in her food choices and had no previous nutrition education.

We started a personalized supple-ment regimen of calcium and vitamin D, coached her on adequate nutrition, and continued to monitor her bone density. Now, this athlete thrives in the competi-tive environment and is a role model for nutrition among her teammates. With encouragement, she’s become a more adventurous eater and appreciates the care given to her bone health. A simple screening and aggressive response set this athlete up for success, and prevented the development of disordered habits.

Team ApproachWorking with our track and field coach-

ing staff is a sports nutritionist’s dream. Head Coach Pat Henry invites us to speak at team meetings throughout the year. He often has considered the timing and topic so it will have a specific objective. When

he brings nutrition into a team meeting, he also offers a one liner intro that works as an endorsement to the athletes.

“What’s the fastest animal in the jungle? A cheetah? Any of you ever see Twinkie or Ding Dong wrappers in the jungle?”

All of the coaching staff is present when we discuss nutrition, and they chime in to drive certain points home. The coaching staff sets athletes up for success by giving nutrition a presence within the team. The nutrition staff takes the stage to share relevant expertise, with a shout out here and there from the coaches.

While body composition testing takes time, it can yield great results. The keys are to position your nutrition expert as a performance coach who reaches every athlete on the team, make use of the data along with athlete feedback to estab-lish guidelines, and prioritize nutrition education. Optimal nutrition benefits student-athletes’ health and wellness and, ultimately, fuels your win column. n

A version of this article appeared in our sister publication, Training & Conditioning.

28 CoaChing ManageMent coachesnetwork.com

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Sweep the CompetitionTraining Sweeps are a revolutionary new training tool used to provide instant technique feedback for drills in nearly any sport. Hurdle Sweeps and Target Sweeps provide tactile, audible, and visual feedback for hurdle training. Ground Sweeps provide a safe alternative for drills revolving around foot placement. Plyo-Box Sweeps feature a soft brush edge that provides varying heights and a soft edge for more traditional workouts. Lane Gainer Sports800-443-8946 www.trainingsweeps.comCircle No.515

Better StretchingWhile aiding in physical mobility and f lexibility, the Stretch EZ’s cradle design encompasses the foot to allow for a comfortable stretch of the foot, heel, Achilles tendon, hamstring, quadriceps, inner/outer thigh, and calf. This unique stretching aide assists in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and calf, thigh, hip, and low back strains and injuries. Call or go online for more information and a free catalog. OPTP 800-367-7393 www.optp.com Circle No. 516

Worth the WeightThe VersaFit padded nylon vest comes with removable sand-filled weight bags to customize resistance. Slide it over the head to position the weight evenly around the torso and secure the vest with the VelcroTM enclosures. The customizable weight allows adjustment for different ability levels and training goals. It’s excellent for power and explosive movements and training, and available in 10-, 20-, and 40-pound models (black only). Power Systems, Inc.800-321-6975www.power-systems.com Circle No. 517


CAPTURE THE GREAT MEMORIES FROM

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NAIA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

March 18-24 | Municipal Auditorium | Kansas City, Missouri

L IM ITED ED IT IONCommemorative Book

Make a book for YOUR Team!

TEAM EQUIPMENT Everything You NeedTimed Just RightAX 725 Pro Memory Series stopwatches are professional timing devices with significantly increased functionality going beyond Accusplit’s tremendously successful Classic X (WOS) series. The AX 725 has the exclusive AOS 4.5 operating system with a twin left-right button operation feature, designed to give coaches, athletes, and timers the most precise timing available. All AX Pro Series stopwatches are cased in Accusplit’s distinctive, ergonomically designed “X” Case. Accusplit • 800-935-1996www.accusplit.comCircle No. 518

Advanced FabricCho-Pat’s Calf Compression Sleeve combines warmth, compression, and reinforcement to help reduce pain and discomfort and enhance recovery and healing. The four-way stretch knit material contours anatomically for maximum fit, comfort, and effectiveness. The material is also breathable and facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin. Finally, this American-made sleeve does not contain neoprene or latex and is available in three sizes to provide more specific and effectual results. It’s available in white and black. Cho-Pat • 800-221-1601 www.cho-pat.com Circle No. 519

Everything You NeedThe 2010 edition of M-F Athletic’s Athletic Facility Equipment catalog is an excellent source for football, soccer, and field hockey goals, bleachers, cages of all types, weightroom design and equipment, wall and field padding, windscreens, and much more. The company can serve you through one of its representatives strategically located throughout the country. You can also call or go online to learn more and request your copy. M-F Athletic • 800-566-7464 www.mfathletic.com/facilitiesCircle No. 520

True Medal WinnersSince early 2009, Oznax Sports has been appointed as a NISHI distributor for the U.S. market. NISHI is a leading manufacturer of track and field implements and equipment, offering throwing implements such as hammers and the shot puts that produced 10 medals at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin in 2009 and nine medals at the summer games in Beijing in 2008. Go online for more details. Oznax Sports, LLC • 714-458-8439 www.oznaxsports.com Circle No. 521

Show Off Your TimesRaceclock timing clocks are available with four-, six-, or nine-inch digits featuring super-bright LEDs or traditional “flip” digits. The single- and double-sided models are accurate to 1/100th of a second. Internal batteries provide more than 10 hours of operation with selectable timing modes set by a keypad. Accessories include a tripod stand, carrying case, remote control, and remote display operation compatible with FinishLynx. Raceclock by Electro-Numerics, Inc. 800-854-8530 www.raceclock.comCircle No. 522

They’ve Got Your NumberMarathon Printing specializes in numbers for all kinds of athletic events. The company’s goal is to provide on-time delivery of the highest-quality custom and stock bibs available. Marathon prints all numbers in-house, giving the company total control for easy customization of your bibs. If you need references, just contact Marathon. The company supplies numbers for some of the largest and most popular competitions in the world, and would be glad to talk with you about your event. Marathon Printing, Inc.800-255-4120www.marathononline.comCircle No. 523

Help From BelowOmni-Lite’s ceramic spikes are one-third the weight of steel, and they’re designed to compress on the track to allow for maximum performance. The Christmas Tree spikes are recommended for sprint events. The spikes are available in three lengths: 1/8”, 3/16”, and 1/4”, plus 1/4” with extended threads. They’re available in seven colors: black, silver, fast blue, Olympic green, violet, fast red, and Olympic gold.Omni-Lite Industries, Inc.800-577-6664www.omni-lite.comCircle No. 524

A Key AssistSchedule Star’s patented Game WizardTM saves you time and sets defaults for the things athletic directors and coaches are always scheduling for games, such as facilities, transportation, and departure and return times. When you schedule your varsity team for any sport, Game Wizard automatically schedules the sub-levels of that sport. Schedule Star is all about keeping you ahead of the game. Go online to get started today. Schedule Star • 800-258-8550www.schedulestar.comCircle No. 525


CAPTURE THE GREAT MEMORIES FROM

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NAIA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

March 18-24 | Municipal Auditorium | Kansas City, Missouri

L IM ITED ED IT IONCommemorative Book

Make a book for YOUR Team!

Everything You Need team equipment

High StabilityOn Track high jump and pole vault standards feature lightweight anodized aluminum uprights equipped with polymer measurement scales that resist peeling and tearing. Unique on-off riser clamps make height adjustment certain and secure at all heights—no more slipping because of loose screw-downs. The steel riser tubes and offsets are electroplated with zinc for durability. The pole vault standard slides along heavy steel rail units for unsurpassed stability. On Track • 800-697-2999www.ontrackandfield.comCircle No. 526

Lighting it upAX 740BL Pro Memory Series stopwatches are professional timing devices with significantly increased functionality going beyond Accusplit’s tremendously successful Classic X (WOS) series. The AX 740BL

comes with Super (continuously on) backlighting that stays on for 10 minutes with each push of the backlight button. The watch uses a rechargeable battery and comes with a recharging kit, including attachments for wall outlet, car, and USB charging. Accusplit • 800-935-1996www.accusplit.comCircle No. 527

Flying FartherThe Challenger discus by VS Athletics is one of the best values available in a high school/college discus. Very durable ABS plastic plates will take a beating and keep on f lying. It features 75-percent rim weight and complies with IAAF rules. The Challenger is available in yellow, red, green, and blue. Visit VS Athletics online to see the company’s complete line of throwing equipment. VS Athletics • 800-676-7463www.vsathletics.comCircle No. 528

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Circle No. 118

Advertisers Directory

Products Directory

Directories

105 . . . Accusplit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10102 . . . Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4106 . . . Austin Plastics & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12101 . . . Beynon Sports Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2104 . . . Blazer Athletic Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9118 . . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34113 . . . Inflate & Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24115 . . . Lane Gainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28121 . . . M-F Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC116 . . . Marathon Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28109 . . . MilkPEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17100 . . . Mondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC117 . . . myTEAMBOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33110 . . . Omni-Lite Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19114 . . . On Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27108 . . . OPTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13112 . . . Oznax Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22120 . . . Polytan-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC111 . . . Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20115 . . . Quick Hurdle (Lane Gainer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28107 . . . Raceclock by Electro-Numerics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12119 . . . TurfCordz/NZ Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35103 . . . VS Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

518 . . . Accusplit (AX725 Pro Memory Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32527 . . . Accusplit (AX740BL Pro Memory Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33508 . . Aer-Flo (Cross-Over Zone/Bench Zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30504 . . Aer-Flo (Tuffy Windscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30503 . . American Sports Builders Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29505 . . Austin Plastics & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30500 . . Beynon Sports Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29506 . . Blazer (hurdle carts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30509 . . Blazer (hurdles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30519 . . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32530 . . HighSchoolSports .net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35510 . . . Inflate & Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30515 . . . Lane Gainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31520 . . . M-F Athletic (Athletic Facility Equipment catalog) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32507 . . . M-F Athletic (Everything Track & Field catalog) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30523 . . . Marathon Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32513 . . . MilkPEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31502 . . Mondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29524 . . . Omni-Lite (Christmas Tree spikes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32529 . . . Omni-Lite (Jump spikes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35526 . . . On Track (high jump & pole vault standards) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33532 . . On Track (Weight Training Implements) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35512 . . . OPTP (AXIS foam roller) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31516 . . . OPTP (Stretch EZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31521 . . . Oznax Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32501 . . . Polytan-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29511 . . . Power Systems (Sprint Trainer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31517 . . . Power Systems (VersaFit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31522 . . . Raceclock by Electro-Numerics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32525 . . . Schedule Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32514 . . . TurfCordz/NZ Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31528 . . . VS Athletics (Challenger discus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33531 . . . VS Athletics (uniforms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Circle Company PageNo. No.

Circle Company PageNo. No.


team equipment

Get on the right track.Increase speed, endurance and flexibility with TurfCordz™, the industry’s most high-level athletic training resistance tools. Used by international Olympians as well as high school track teams, versatile TurfCordz are ideal for explosive start drills, power-building footwork exercises, simulated play action and more:

• Agility and strength training

• Shoulder rotator strengthening

• Abduction, leg curls, hip flexion and other lower body exercises

• Quick reaction and multiple-direction drills

Order today! Call 800.886.6621 or visit turfcordz.com now.

Made in USA

Circle No. 119

to new HeightsOmni-Lite’s lightweight Jump spikes are designed to compress synthetic tracks, returning energy to the runner and minimizing damage to the track. The threads on these spikes are compatible with all major brands of track shoes. Omni-Lite’s spikes are made of ceramic composite, so they will never rust. The Jump spike and Pyramid spike are recommended for high jump and triple jump events. Omni-Lite Industries, Inc.800-577-6664www.omni-lite.comCircle No. 529

HighSchoolSports.net. Go online and start saving time today. HighSchoolSports.net800-258-8550www.highschoolsports.netCircle No. 530

Varying the WeightOn Track knows that modern training theory calls for incremental weight variation under and over competition weight for strength, speed, and technique development. With this theory in mind, Gillett Over-/Under-Weight Training Implements were created in both a discus and a shot series. An adjustable shot model is also available. All dimensional measurements remain consistent with competition specs. These are the throwing trainers you’ve read about on coaching Web sites. On Track • 800-697-2999www.ontrackandfield.comCircle No. 532

exactly What You WantYes, its true, you can make whatever design you want on VS Athletics sublimated uniforms, available in poly/mesh or poly/spandex fabrics. Show off your school, your mascot, your pride, your tradition. Create your identity. Get the whole set, top and bottom, or match a top with the company’s solid shorts. Warmups are also available. Call VS Athletics or go online for other ideas. VS Athletics800-676-7463www.vsathletics.comCircle No. 531

Find What You need, FastHighSchoolSports.net has free tools for coaches to showcase their teams all in one location. Coaches can save time and get the tools they need to stay ahead of the game. Add, postpone, or cancel events and practices, enter scores and stats, access your roster, and get cumulative player and team stats, all on


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You can find more information related to coaching on CoachesNetwork.com, which has been completely revamped to better help coaches. We now offer expanded editorial resources, including articles addressing a wide variety of issues facing coaches today.

Articles on the site include:Strength Training Roundtable Top strength coaches share some thoughts on training and conditioning.

A Glimpse at the Other Side A high school coach gets a taste of the college life.

Running on Empty Are your athletes getting enough calories to perform their best?

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Sports Medicine

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ANNIVERSARY

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T R A C K & F I E L D C A T A L O G 2 0 1 0

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Coaching Management 18.1