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.