This is New Balance Indoors Nationals weekend in New York City. There are some new athletes and teams from Illinois attending this year. There is an eerie feeling in the air that I must pounce on…
The B Side Returns!!! I just finished up my club indoor season (Dominators) and decided to pick up my pen while I take a short break....
It is the moment we've all been waiting for. Since the start of indoor when we thought we'd never see the sun again, to the outdoor season full of cold & rainy meets, postponements and cancellations. IT IS HERE.... THE STATE MEET!!!
I can't wait as state is coming closer by the blog. This week sectionals has arrived for the girls and conference meets for the boys. "Pressure busts pipes" as I always say and these last couple of weeks will tell the truth on every track and field athlete in the state.
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 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.
Match up- A pairing or combining; a direct contest or confrontation between two athletes.
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.”
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.
Confidence is a feeling of assurance especially of self-assurance.
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....
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.
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.
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.