The B-Side: Money May Bob Jelks May 07, 2014

There are two things that are guaranteed in the month of May --- Floyd “Money” Mayweather having a big boxing match and winning it; and times will drop as well as jumps and throws will increase.  It happens every year.

The B-Side: The Meeting Bob Jelks Apr 30, 2014

The older I get and the more coaches I speak with whether its club or high school, I have come to realize that no matter what level of coach, what color they are or where they live -- amazingly nationwide -- they all say and deal with the same issues.

The B-Side: The Voice Bob Jelks Apr 16, 2014

The outdoor season is about to pick up as more meets on the boys and girls side take steps closer to the state meet. There are athletes with different levels of confidence and skill sets but there is one thing all athletes must deal with and that is the "Voice.”

The B-Side: The Championship 4x100m Relay-1986 Bob Jelks Apr 02, 2014

Editor's introductory note: The 1980's produced some of the fastest times in terms of sprints throughout the Midwest and more specifically in Illinois. I986 was a special year in which the state 100m and 200m all-time records were reset.  But on this occasion one of the state's best ever quartets was assembled and poised for history of their own.  But sometimes the best don't win. B-side puts a gut wretching spin on what happened to his fabled Decatur Mac Arthur foursome.

The B-Side: C'Mon Man! Bob Jelks Mar 19, 2014

A lot of coaches and athletes found out the hard way what nationals and New York was all about. There were many who should've stayed home....

The B-Side: New York, New York Bob Jelks Mar 12, 2014


This week’s blog is a little different from my usual.  This is an inside look at my club team’s experience competing at one of the biggest meets in the country – National High School Championships in New York.

The B-Side: The Varsity Bob Jelks Mar 05, 2014

Varsity – the principal team representing a school, university or college in sports, games or other competitions.  I was reading the preview to the Thornwood Open last week. It said it was involving as many athletes as possible; this was not going to be a limited meet.  It got me to thinking about my days of running “varsity” in high school.  Things were done differently then.  You “earned” a spot on the varsity squad it was not automatic.

The B-Side: The Hunter And The Hunted Bob Jelks Feb 26, 2014

Athletes and teams all over the world, in my opinion, are put into 2 categories – the hunter and the hunted.  I have coached on both sides of the fence and get slightly more enjoyment out of being the hunter. 

The B-Side: Stay Or Go? Bob Jelks Feb 12, 2014

The high school indoor season has finally arrived! There are some athletes who have been training for a couple of months and some who have had meets with their clubs as far back as late December. The indoor season on the national scene will pick up as early as this weekend with big meets like the Simplot Games in Idaho, University of Kentucky High School Invitational, and the New Balance Indoor Nationals in New York City. Prior to these meets, there were contests hosted by Texas A&M University and the University of Arkansas. What are the benefits, if any, in attending these meets?

The B Side: Are Parents Allies Or Enemies? Bob Jelks Feb 05, 2014

Last week I touched on the subject of club coaches vs. school coaches. The topic probably got a few people riled, as I am sure this week’s topic will too. I want to touch on the subject of track parents. Some can be allies supporting their kids and the team while others can be the enemy and appear to be sabotaging their own child’s success.

The B-Side: The Club Coach Vs. The High School Coach Bob Jelks Jan 29, 2014

There has been a long-standing debate/disagreement about the club coach’s presence in the athlete’s life once that athlete begins participating in school sports, whether it is track & field, baseball, basketball or tennis.  The club coach has played an integral part in the athlete’s life, probably since a very young age.  Therefore, when it comes time for the athlete to participate on their high school team, put on a different uniform, it is sometimes hard to stand back and let someone else take over all they have built.

The B-Side: The Odyssey Begins Bob Jelks Jan 22, 2014

You know him but he may not know you... especially if you haven't put up the stats. But one thing for sure his commentary is real, unique, and refreshing.  It is going to get you to think outside of the box.