January 29, 2011

Week One or One Week

Week One of track practice- check. One more week until I can try running again! Wahoo!

So, hmmmm, about this track gig. Right now we don't have near the kids we had last year. I blame two things- basketball season is still going strong and the middle school has failed to announce the practice on their intercom. We've had about 35 come out each day, and hoping to really boost that up next week during "assessment" week.

A few really exciting things happened this week, starting badly, ending nicely. First, we could not locate ANY of our track supplies. I will opening take responsibility for this. See, after track season, K (old AD and Ex) called and asked me to move the track supplies out of the ticket booth. Why were they in the ticket booth? Well, that's b/c the school doesn't even care enough about track to have its own place for supplies! Frankly, I just didn't follow the orders. I would have rather lost a limb than gone over to that school and seen him. So, out of selfish anger, I let the track supplies be put somewhere unknown. At the start of this season, I put my new assistant, Coach H to work. He's a first year teacher and coach, and likely no one would give him the time of day. So, this got nowhere. He did find out 2 possible places the supplies might be- one being the precious $4K "football" shed that was built last year after the board told me they had no money to contribute to my track. Ironic? Anyway, I made a few phone calls and sent some emails, still no luck on finding these things, getting a key to these places, or really any advice at all. So, I called the new AD. Let me just say for a minute how impressed I am with this man. He is super, super organized. I called him and within an hour he called back and within 2 hours he had an exact solution for my problem and guaranteed my track supplies on my track Monday. So-YAY! More importantly, he spoke with me about the contacts I had made regarding track repair and asked if I "minded" if he made some contacts, as well. He said he planned to go to the Superintendent and really press the issue of the track. Finally- an administrator in my corner, someone to go to bat for me. Another person I am becoming more impressed with is Coach H. He is super young, brand new out of college. He has never been involved with track and field, nor does he know anything about it. BUT... he has the will to learn. The attitude is right. He is so open to everything I have to say and is GREAT with the kids. So... administration wise, we're doing pretty well!

I've been working on an assessment schedule for next week. Basically, Coach H and I are going to allow/pressure the athletes to try nearly every event. We're testing 3 events each day and making lots of notes. At the end of next week, we will be able to appropriately place kids in categories, at least for the time being. That will give our practice sessions some directions. Also, I made up a weekly schedule on how Coach H and I will coach the different events. I feel that last year certain events were overlooked or equal time was not spent with these and it ended up reflecting at our meets. I was very up front with the kids about NOT missing on their "key" workout days and I'm tightening the attendance policy in general.

So... that's kind of where I am right now. The bike fundraiser is going VERY well. All the teachers at my school are selling tickets to their students and all the track athletes are selling, as well. I believe we will end up with a couple grand of this.

So... run strong, friends!

7 comments:

  1. Glad that you have a helpful administrator. I know that is probably the biggest part of the battle. I hope more kids join the team. It's unfortunate when stuff like that gets overlooked!!! Good luck!

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  2. I love reading your blog! It sounds like you've got a great season ahead of you-best of luck to you and the kids! I was never a great athlete in high school, but I ran track every year. I loved how I could track my own progress and not have to worry about letting everyone down by throwing a bad pass or missing a key shot. Those kids may not realize how much thought and time you put into being their coach, but I'm SURE they love it. It's obvious that you really care about the kids and the sport, so whether you get your track or find your equipment, I'm certain you'll have a great season!!!

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  3. Thanks for the comment! I would be HONORED to be listed under the Fun Girls' Blogs!!! Hope you're having an awesome day!

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  4. this reminds me of when my coach made us try all the events. and yes, a 70 pound tiny scared girl doesn't need to give the shot put a try. i could hardly lift it, much less throw it!

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  5. Hi, Jan! That's noted for sure. I'm not "making" them try every event, but there will be some strong encouragement. And gee, I can't imagine why you didn't make a good discus thrower? Hahah.

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  6. Sounds like you are in for a good year with the AD and Assistant Coach! Good luck with the track team this year! I can't wait to hear about the meets as well as how you feel when you can run again!!

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  7. Anonymous2/02/2011

    Yay! It sounds like you have a great plan - I like having them try all the events, you never know when some hidden talent may pop up! ( except for the 70lb tiny girl not trying the shot put - that was me, too!)

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