Jr. Olympics

I spent the last week coaching at the USA Track and Field Jr. Olympics for the Manhattan Track Club. To coach at a national championship that I once competed at and made so many memories was absolutely amazing. As my kids competed I couldn't help to reminisce about how blessed I truly am not only in the athletic realm but in life. This coaching job opened so many doors of learning, friendship, and mentorship that I never expected. I had 7 athletes compete and left with 5 all americans. Almost every athlete left with a personal best and a huge smile on their face even though they all endured 105 degree plus weather everyday.

MEMORIES:

* Ethan Gruber (8) lead the javelin event the whole meet and then got beat on his last throw. But he set a personal best which was 10 feet farther than his previous.

* Sam Hankins (9) Three fouled in the javelin and every foul would have been far enough to win Nationals. It was a very teachable moment for him to learn what happens when you don't listen to your coach. It was also a moment that taught me how passionate I am for my athletes and ache when they don't do well.

* I got interviewed by the Wichita Eagle with Sam Hankins and his family. Being interviewed I found myself quoting my high school coach Rick Ginter and realizing how he set a foundation for me and all my future athletes. http://www.kansas.com/2011​/07/28/1951302/mature-moti​vation.html

* Several parents and coaches that once coached against me while I was an athlete came up to me during the meet and told me how great of a coach I am and how easy the transition seemed to come to me. It made my day knowing that I am already respected by many in the coaching world.

* The biggest compliment I got this past week was from TJ Turner, the Salina coach and KSU Track Alumi. He told me that he coaches the discus based on my technique that he videoed while I was throwing in high school.

*The best part of the entire track meet was watching each of my athletes progress over the season. Watching them through their ups and downs, earning their trust, and learning how each one of them learns the best is something I will never forget during this first season of coaching.

FULL RESULTS:

Jamie Hankins

300 Race Walk: 16th 22:37

Sam Hankins

Triatholon: 674

Turbo Jav: no mark

Shot: 6th 28' 3.5''

Raul Garibay

Turbo Jav: 22nd 92' 7''

Discus: 36th 59' 4''

Tyson Loewen

Turbo Jav: 39th 75' 1''

Shot: 29th 29'01''

Discus: 24th 75' 1''

Ethan Gruber

Turbo Jav: 2nd 80' 9''

Shot: 23' 5.25''

Maggie Fischer

Triple Jump: 40th 28' 5.5''

Hunter Loewen

Javelin: 20th 122'9''

4x800: 4th 9:00.12