We're hosting a meet this weekend. We always host one this weekend. The decathlon and heptathlon start today and everything else is tomorrow. It's still pretty cold out (~40 degrees) and rainy. Officials and the timing system manager are suggesting we do it inside.....even going so far as to see if we have 100m of straightaway to run the first event on our indoor track (we didn't). We're about [...]

How much time is needed to prepare for a decathlon? How bout 4 days. I have been missing competition more than ever before since I started coaching my girls in the pent and hep and I decided to dust off the cobwebs. Sunday: Instead of surfing, I attempt to hurdle and high jump. I had a goal of 50 hurdles at 42 and a 5 step of 6'0 in HJ. I made it to 44 hurdles and my last group of 4 felt . . .de [...]

I just found that C.K. Yang died on January 31 from complications from a stroke. When I was in high school and college I used to have a picture of Yang on my bulletin board because I had seen compete at the Santa Barbara Easter Relays and had been impressed with him. He was one of a few decathletes to score over 9,000 points on any scoring table. When I was in eighth grade there was a terrific hou [...]

I am not as given to hyperbole as others. When you say someone is the greatest that means they are able to stand the test of time. Their performances should transcend eras. Ladainian Tomilson’s recent record splurge has elevated him into the lofty status for consideration as one of the greatest running back ever. He may well be among the greatest running backs, but in my book the greatest at [...]

This is another interesting interview released by USATF:INDIANAPOLIS - USA Track & Field on Tuesday announced that Dan O'Brien, Lynn Jennings, Kevin Young, Ollan Cassell, Rex Cawley and Bill Nieder will be inducted in the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.Dan O'BrienQ: What were your thoughts when you were informed that you had been elected to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame?A: I [...]

There is no more results oriented person than me. However, as I stated several weeks ago, when I judge a system of athletic performance my criteria is to look at what someone does with what they have. If you have a bunch of sprinters who have 11.00 ability and eventually you get them to run consistently 11.00 then you have succeeded. The following comment regarding Frans Bosch struck a tender ner [...]

I presented a workshop for team sport coaches in the afternoon. I was interesting. There were several vocal differences of opinion from my point of view. I think it stimulated some good discussion and solidified some people’s thoughts. The dissenter’s opinion was that you did not do anything outside of practicing and playing the game. The felt you could get as strong, fast, explosive a [...]

Yesterday when I mentioned Steve Odgers in the blog, several people wanted to know what Steve is doing now. He works for Scott Boras, the baseball agent. Steve is Director of Boras sports training, in that capacity he works with their clients. He is now working with some of the biggest names in the game. I thought some of you might be interested in how Steve and I became associated. I first met St [...]

I have received some questions about SPARQ and my involvement. SPARQ is an acronym for speed, agility, reaction and quickness. It a company based on Portland< Oregon. It is directed at young athletes primarily high school age. Last when I got involved they were developing SPARQ Rating for various sports. The purpose was to give the kids an SAT of Athleticism. It is a neat concept because each e [...]

A Correction from Yesterday:The tunnel to the stairs the athletes walk out of is not very long, just fromcall room in the stadium. However there is a 1500 meter tunnel, lined withthree lanes of Mondo and sand pits and all, that goes from the warm up track tothe stadium. Quote of the Day: “I was hoping to have a bottle of vodka to warm me up” from runner up Kotovaregarding the weather d [...]