Gold Medal Summer Throws Camp in Portage, IN July 8-9
2022 Throwing Camp at Portage, IN HS 12/10/2022
All the details for this clinic are in the attached flyer.
Throws News You Can Use 2021 summer edition by jim aikens
Dear Fellow Throws Enthusiast,
I hope all of you had an enjoyable track season. Heck, it was just great to even have a track season this year! I know it was cut short due to the COVID 19 but at least we had a season.
Looking at the throws competition at the trials it seems like the US is poised to do really well at the Olympics.
This will be my last “Throws News You Can Use” newsletter. For those of you who don’t know, I have moved to Dallas, Texas “Y’all”, where I can focus on being a grandfather. Dan Mc Quaid from Wheaton North HS. and Mcthrows.com will be taking over the “Throws News You Can Use” newsletter. He’s a much better writer than me anyway! I will miss coaching in Illinois and will miss coaching with and against many of you. I will miss the friendships we have developed over the years. As always, I am more than willing to help any of you in any way I can! Also, if any of you find your way to Dallas you better get in touch with me. My cell # is 847-414-8415. I plan on being back in Illinois for the ITCCCA Track & CC clinic in January. I hope to see many of you there.
I know finding summer meets is an issue. I have attached the information regarding two summer meets that are taking place at Larkin High School in Elgin, Illinois this summer. The meet is only $5 per individual and unlimited events. They are on Thursday July 22nd & Thursday July 29th. Regarding throws, unfortunately they will only have shot put. My good friend Bob Borzack (former head coach girls coach Conant HS.) is now the boys head coach at Larkin HS. and is going to do a great job running these two meets.
Good Luck Everyone in all your Endeavors. Jim
Throwers News You Can Use 2021 Spring Edition by Jim Aikens
Hello Everyone,
Well, it has been a long time since I have written to all of you. For all of you in Illinois we are finally going to have Track & Field again! We are going to be able to start coaching our kids again! I am so excited to start doing that again.
After all this time I finally have some good information to send to you guys. The Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association is having their yearly coaches clinic from Thursday March 18th until Sunday March 21st this year. The clinic is an online virtual clinic that you will be able to watch & ask questions live. You will also be able to view the presentations for many weeks afterwards. This clinic is open to everyone, not just Illinois coaches. The throws portion of this clinic is the most outstanding line up I think you are ever going to find. Check it out!
Rene’ Sack: German National Throws Coach:
The glide shot put lives! At last week’s European Indoor Championships, four of the top six finishers were gliders, including Germany’s Sara Gambetta. This year’s virtual ITCCCA clinic will feature Sara’s coach, René Sack, himself a former world class glider.
Nobody knows glide shot putting like the Germans, and this is a unique opportunity to learn from a coach who knows the German approach to the glide inside and out. René will present on Saturday, March 20th at 10:40am CST. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live production, and will also have access to a recorded version on Coachtube for a limited time. Speaking of Coachtube, you can currently purchase a talk the René gave last summer on the discus. That presentation may be found here.
Maggie Ewen: Multiple NCAA Champion & World Class Shot Putter:
Maggie Ewen, arguably the greatest thrower in NCAA history (she won, over the course of her career, the shot, disc, and hammer) and fresh off a PB shot put toss of 19.54m, will present at this year’s ITCCCA Virtual Clinic. On Saturday, March 20th at 9:00am CST, Maggie will discuss “Physical Preparation for the Throws.” In that talk, Maggie will describe the methods she used in high school and beyond to build the power output necessary to make an implement go far. On Sunday, March 21st, also at 9:00am, Maggie will present on her “Shot Put and Discus Journey.” In this session, she will examine her technique development over the years in each event. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout these live presentations, and will also–for a limited time–have access to a replay on Coachtube.
Jeff Rebholz: Illinois State University Throws Coach:
Coach Rebholz, the outstanding throws coach at Illinois State University, will present at the 2021 ITCCCA Virtual Throws Clinic. Jeff’s session will take place on Friday, March 19th at 6:00pm CST. Jeff will speak on rotational shot putting technique. His primary focus will be explaining the methods he uses to to transition a putter from the glide to rotational technique. Jeff’s session will provide valuable insight for coaches at any level who want to teach sound technique to an athlete new to the rotational style. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live presentation, and will be given access–for a limited time–to a video replay on Coachtube.
Olympian Andy Bloom & his coach Scott Bennett:
Olympian (and one of the greatest shot/disc combo throwers in history) Andy Bloom will join the man who coached him to throwing greatness, Scott Bennett, for two sessions at this year’s clinic. On Thursday, March 18th at 7:40pm CST, Andy and Scott will reveal their insights into rotational shot putting. They will return on Friday, March 19th, also at 7:40pm CST to discuss discus technique. Each session will feature substantial use of video to illustrate drills and technical points. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout these live presentations and will also–for a limited time–enjoy access to a video replay via Coachtube.
Suzy Powell-Roos 3X Olympian & Throws Coach:
Suzy Powell is one of the most decorated female discus throwers in American history. She is a 3x Olympian and former American record-holder with a PR of 69.44m/227’9.” A product of the great UCLA throwing program, Suzy has been ranked among the top 10 discus throwers in the world numerous times. Currently she coaches throws at Modesto Junior College in Modesto California. Suzy will present at this year’s ITCCCA Virtual Clinic on Thursday, March 18th at 6:00pm CST. Suzy’s talk is titled, “Throw Like a Girl—A systematic approach to learning and coaching the discus throw.” Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live presentation and will also–for a limited time–have access to a video replay via Coachtube.
Vésteinn Hafsteinsson Gerd Kanter & Daniel Ståhl’s coach:
Vésteinn Hafsteinsson is the most successful discus coach in the history of the sport. Under his guidance, Gerd Kanter won gold at the 2007 World Championships and 2008 Olympics. Daniel Ståhl became his second World Champion in Doha in 2019. Vésteinn also coached shot putter Joachim Olsen to a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics, and currently trains Sweden’s Fanny Roos, one of the best young putters in the world.
If you haven’t yet signed up for the online virtual ITCCCA Clinic get signed up! You don’t want to miss this opportunity. Follow the link below to get signed up.
This clinic will be a great way to get the season started!
You’ll be hearing from me again as the season gets closer.
Jim Aikens
Throws News You Can Use – Coronavirus Edition
Hello Fellow Throws Enthusiast,
I hope all of you are doing well in this coronavirus time. I am sitting here writing you on April 14th, and have been quarantined for four weeks now. The last time I have coached any of my throwers was March 11th. This whole thing is weird and I feel bad for our athletes, especially our seniors. Unfortunately, we need to do this to keep this deadly virus from spreading.
I know if you are like me (I know you are or you wouldn’t be reading this) your trying to find something to fill your throws coaching fix. Here are some things that might help.
- Dan McQuaid & Roger Einbecker has been holding live Webinars for you to be part of. Their latest was on April 10th. It was an excellent discussion regarding discus technique with Iowa Throws Coach Eric Werskey who coached NCAA Discus Champion Laulauga Tsauga. You can view that webinar on YouTube at: Werskey Webinar
- Dan & Roger have a great webinar planned for this Thursday, April 16th with Mike Gattone of USA Weightlifting. The title of the webinar is “Teaching Your Athletes the Full Olympic Lifts-How to do it and Why You Should”. You will get a lot out of this webinar. Mike is the best there is when it comes to Weightlifting. You can read more about the webinar and register using this link: https://mcthrows.com/?p=2870
- Dan & Roger have created a website that has all the past webinars and all of Dan’s interviews with various throwers and their coaches from around the world. This is definitely worth checking out. https://mcthrows.com/?page_id=2
- I am missing coaching so much I have started to go back through all my old Long Strong Throwers Journal’s. Back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s this was the source for all things throwing. Glenn Thompson owner of the Long & Strong Throws Club out of Pennsylvania put this magazine together as a labor of love. While going through these I found the first article I ever wrote on the throws. It was about how we coached and ran the throws program at Fremd H.S. in Palatine, IL. A few of my concepts have changed since then but the article stands the test of time. If you’re interested here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/u5thqns
- Many coaches have been posting drills kids & coaches can do at home. You can check out McQuaid’s Driveway Drill Series at https://youtu.be/If7B37L5Q7M or check them out on twitter or Facebook.
- Joe Frontier from Madison Throws Club has also been posting drills on YouTube. You can check out his drill series at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nDTpYLihVE
- Also, you can check out Joe’s Podcast from Madison Throws Club as Joe Interviews Throwers & Coaches from around the world. https://throw-big-throw-far-podcast.zencast.website/episodes
- Finally, I have been in on a couple of Zoom’s with other throws coaches. It has been fun to meet them and talk throwing. I don’t know how exactly to run a Zoom but I’m sure I could figure it out. If you think you would be interested in having a Zoom where we could talk throws or whatever let me know and I will get something together.
Take Care of yourselves and stay safe.
Jim Aikens
THROWS NEWS YOU CAN USE by Jim Aikens
Dear Fellow Throws Enthusiast:
It was great seeing many of you at the ITCCCA clinic this past weekend. Catching up with old friends and making new ones is one of the things I most enjoy about the clinic. I thought former Illinois state champion and now BIG 10 Throws Coach from Nebraska Scott Cappos did a great job sharing his coaching knowledge with all of us. Also, giving some great insight into many aspects of the throws was Dane Miller from Throws University and Garage Strength. If you haven’t yet filled out an evaluation of their presentations could you please do so now at the link below. Both the presenters & ITCCCA find these evaluations very helpful.
Evaluation Links: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk5Uvbf-OjEeLGA986HumiiSbi3cTB6qSvJGFTlANBxRNJ9g/viewform
Check out Coach Scott Cappos’ Throwers on Instagram @Cornthrowers they post some great videos of the Nebraska throwers. Also listed below is a direct link to all the PowerPoints on the talks that Coach Cappos gave.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Uczz6Fgn0F6fmFDsxNc1nGCU-AhLMe5s
You also need to check out the website that Coach Dane Miller has put together. He has some great resources on the page. Included, are links you can follow Throws University & Garage Strength on Instagram and Twitter from this page. The link to his page is: https://www.throwsuniversity.com
PowerPoints on the talks that Coach Miller gave.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-Wks5rbFqPQo5n8hUOVY7UkbI8pPdx9t
Clinic opportunities for Athletes & Coaches:
A-Z Learn By Doing Throws Clinic is on Sunday, January 26th 2020 @ Wheaton North H.S. in Wheaton, Illinois:
If you haven’t been to the A-Z Throws clinic you don’t know what you’re missing. This clinic has been running for over 15 years. Multiple state medalist have attended this clinic over the years. The great thing about this clinic is the excellent coach to athlete ratio. On average there is one coach to every 5 athletes. The throws coaches who volunteer to work this clinic are some of the best in the state of Illinois. Your athletes and you will experience some major hands on coaching. The cost of the clinic is $65 for advance registration and $75 at the door. Register at: https://forms.gle/jr8gUG41DU6PZaCp9
National Throws Coaches Association Throw & Learn Camp, February 16th @ Burlington Central H.S. in Burlington, Illinois :
This camp will be like no other you have attended! It will be tailored more to what individual throwers and coaches need in order to help make them successful. This camp will use video to help analyze what is needed to improve your throw. The athletes at this clinic will be throwing shots and discus’. The clinic will be directed by Coach Jim Aikens (Fremd HS & Burlington Central HS.) and Coach Scott Bennett who has been coaching the field events for over 40 years. He has coached five Olympians (1 gold medalist), National Champions, Olympic Trial Winners, NCAA Champions and many more. He has coached on the Division 1 and Division 3 levels as well as the high school level. He has developed a great system for teaching & correcting throwing technique. The cost of he clinic is $70 for advance registration & $80 day of if spots are available. Link to flyer and registration directions:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b0lC_1RJ5Zk0TCnrdevyi_oU0aOOo2AA/view?usp=sharing
University of Wisconsin 1 day Throws Camps:
There is a great opportunity for throwers in the Northern portion of Illinois. U of W Madison is offering a series of 1 day throws camps. I have heard nothing but good things about these camps. Coach Astrauskas and his staff do a great job working with the athletes. For details and registration go to: http://www.uwcamps.com/sport.aspx?id=29
Bureau Valley Coaches Clinic:
This is a great clinic that Dale Donner has built. Unfortunately, Dale is retiring and this is the final clinic. I am honored to be speaking on the shot put & discus at this clinic. If you are interested here is the information link: http://www.bickettdonnerhelms.com/clinic/BVclinic20.pdf
Throws Coaches Paid Job Oppenings:
South Elgin H.S.:
The South Elgin Boys Track and Field Team is looking for an Assistant Coach with experience in Throws, with a team focus in strength and conditioning. Stipend is available based on experience. Please contact Head Coach Anthony LaRue anthonylarue@u-46.orgor (630) 253-4941 for any interest or questions.
Illinois Institute of Technology:
– Attend 2-3 practices per week to work with 3-5 throwers
– Attend all meets (7-8 indoors/outdoors)
– Handle recruiting with prospective student-athletes interested in Track & Field and the throwing events
This is a PAID position! If interested, please email Head Coach Tyler McQuality at jmcquality@iit.edu
Mather H.S.:
Mather High School in Chicago is seeking assistant track coaches for the 2020 season. The team is in need of coaches in the areas of sprints, jumps and throws. However candidates interested in distance are also welcome.
The Mather team is co-ed. These are paid positions. Coach would have the opportunity to have a significant positive impact on the lives of student athletes!
If interested please email Co-Head Coaches Makenzie Carr (mscarr@cps.edu) and Joe Sullivan (jtsullivan3@cps.edu).
Saint Francis H.S. Wheaton, IL:
Saint Francis College Prep H.S. is looking for a throws coach. This coach would be coaching both boys and girls. If you are interested contact Head Coach Mike Prizy at mprizy@sfhscollegeprep.org
Resources:
Dan McQuaid from Wheaton North H.S. has finished his third article on the throws from the World Championships in Doha. It is a great read! Check it out at. http://mcthrows.com/?p=2802
Dan has been publishing throwing articles for over 20 years. He was a contributing author to The Long & Strong Throwers Journal for many years. Several issues are published on the website. When that publication stopped, he started this blog and has been going strong ever since. You can read all his articles on www.mcthrows.com. You can also enroll at this website to get automatic updates when articles are published.
Finally, (Man this is a long newsletter) for those of you who have received this newsletter in the past you already have received the link to these resources.
Great Resource for Throws Coaches: Some of you may remember back at the ITCCCA clinic in 2016 I created a google share drive folder called “ITCCCA Sharing Session 2016”. This folder has materials that were shared by many throws coaches in Illinois. If you haven’t checked this out I highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed: I have changed the settings so that anyone with a link can view the material.
Link to Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-I1FSfUvJkuX1AtaFBNZHo5UkU?usp=sharing
PS. If there is any news you would like to publicize let me know. I will get it out on the next newsletter.
Also, if I can help you with questions or resources please feel free to email me at Coachaikens@gmail.com
Burlington Central NTCA Learn By Doing Throws Clinic on Feb 16, 2020
Don’t miss this learn by doing throws clinic lead by Coach Scott Bennett and Coach Jim Aikens to be held at the Burlington Central HS Field House, a great facility.
Further details and registration information are in the link below.
Throws News You can Use December 2019 Part 2
Sorry to send you another email. I forgot 2 things.
1. Huntley High School is looking for a Girls Throws Coach. It is a paid position and they have some talent to work with. If you are interested please contact Chris Maxedon at chmaxedon@district158.org or Jason Monson at jmonson@district158.org
2. Burlington Central High School is looking for a Girls Team for its Throws & Vault meet on Saturday February 15th. There is no team score kept at this meet so it will not count against your team total meets. This meet is a little different than your typical indoor meet in a very fun way. Please look at the attachment for details. Please email me or text me at 847-414-8415 if you are interested.
Burlington Central Throws & Vault Meet Feb 15 2020
Thanks,
Jim Aikens
coachaikens@gmail.com
Throws News You Can Use December 2019
Hello Again Fellow Throws Enthusiast,
It won’t be long until the season starts and shots & discus’ will be flying. The ITCCCA Clinic is just around the corner and there is a great line up! I always enjoy the ITCCCA Clinic. It signals the official start of a new season. I also really enjoy seeing all you guys and having a beverage or two Friday night. Below are the throws camps that you may want to attend and encourage your throwers to attend. Also, Dan McQuaid has written another great Throws Article.
CLINICS & CAMPS:
This year’s ITCCCA Track Coaches clinic is January 10th & 11th 2020 @ The Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illinois: The clinic will be here soon: http://itccca.com/january-clinic/
This clinic is a must for throws coaches: This year speaking at the clinic is
Dane Miller from Garage Strength & Throws University he will be presenting at multiple sessions. Check out Dane’s bio: https://www.garagestrength.com/pages/coaches
Scott Cappos Built a successful throws program at Iowa and now is building a dynasty at Nebraska he will also be presenting at multiple sessions. Check out Scott’s bio: https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=38 Also speaking this year is former national throws coach Rob Lasorsa: Rob Lasorsa’s Bio
A-Z Learn By Doing Throws Clinic is on Sunday, January 26th 2020 @ Wheaton North H.S. in Wheaton, Illinois:
If you haven’t been to the A-Z Throws clinic you don’t know what you’re missing. This clinic has been running for over 15 years. Multiple state medalist have attended this clinic over the years. The great thing about this clinic is the excellent coach to athlete ratio. On average there is one coach to every 5 athletes. The throws coaches who volunteer to work this clinic are some of the best in the state of Illinois. Your athletes and you will experience some major hands on coaching. The cost of the clinic is $65 for advance registration and $75 at the door. Register at: https://forms.gle/jr8gUG41DU6PZaCp9
National Throws Coaches Association Throw & Learn Camp, February 16th @ Burlington Central H.S. in Burlington, Illinois : (See attached Flyer)
This camp will be like no other you have attended! It will be tailored more to what individual throwers and coaches need in order to help make them successful. This camp will use video to help analyze what is needed to improve your throw. The athletes at this clinic will be throwing shots and discus’. The clinic will be directed by Coach Jim Aikens (Fremd HS & Burlington Central HS.) and Coach Scott Bennett who has been coaching the field events for over 40 years. He has coached five Olympians (1 gold medalist), National Champions, Olympic Trial Winners, NCAA Champions and many more. He has coached on the Division 1 and Division 3 levels as well as the high school level. He has developed a great system for teaching & correcting throwing technique. The cost of he clinic is $70 for advance registration & $80 day of if spots are available.
NATIONAL THROWS COACHES ASSOCIATION FLYER
University of Wisconsin 1 day Throws Camps: There is a great opportunity for throwers in the Northern portion of Illinois. U of W Madison is offering a series of 1 day throws camps. I have heard nothing but good things about these camps. Coach Astrauskas and his staff do a great job working with the athletes. For details and registration go to: http://www.uwcamps.com/sport.aspx?id=29
COACHING POSITIONS:
Lake Zurich High School: Lake Zurich High School is looking for a boys throws coach for the upcoming season. Please contact head coach Randal Dunbar at Randal.dunbar@lz95.org if you are interested.
COOL TIDBITTS:
Dan McQuaid has written EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED…BUT IT SURE HELPS. PART 2 OF OUR LOOK BACK AT DOHA It is another great article by Dan. You definitely want to read it if you haven’t already.
Joe Frontier from Madison Throws has put together a nice compilation of discus throwers. He has collected 16 of the best discus throwers. This is great for visualization and film study. Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsZKD9AYO71ar8dhZxERF7IW3bNPA_2xQ&app=desktop
I hope all of you get at least one thing from this email. Again, if you know of anyone who might want to start getting these emails but isn’t have them send me their email and I will put them on the list.
Happy Holidays!
Jim Aikens
Throws Enthusiast!