Category Archives: Newsletter

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

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

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!

Throws News You Can Use from Jim Aikens 11/15/2019

Hello Fellow Throws Enthusiast,

It’s me again, with another edition of  “Throws News You Can Use”.  In this issue we have a number of items you may be interested in.

CLINICS & CAMPS:

This year’s ITCCCA Track Coaches clinic is January 10th & 11th 2020 @ The Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illiois: Registration is now open at: 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

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 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 and you will be shown the drills to help you to improve in that area.  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. You will first need to create an account at Centrals 8-18 page. https://il.8to18.com/bchs Once you have created an 8-18 account follow the prompts below.

  1. Go to “Registration”
  2. Click on “Begin Registration”
  3. Click on “NTCA Throws Camp”
  4. Then click on “Proceed don’t want the app”
  5. You only need to fill out the * information. Place a “0” where it ask for student number. Also, if you could fill out the medical insurance info.
  6. Fill out guardian information
  7. Accept the Camp Waiver
  8. Proceed to checkout

(If you have difficulty email me at jimaikens@hotmail.com or call me at 847-414-8415)

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.

Saint Charles North High School: Saint Charles North High School is looking for a girls throws coach for the upcoming season. Please contact head coach Kathryn Mehalic at kathryn.mehalic@d303.org

COOL TIDBITTS: 

Cody Foerch, the throws coach a Deerfield H.S. has made some good videos explaining discus & rotational shot technique. As you are probably aware Deerfield has had some pretty darn good throwers. Check these videos out. They are an accurate but yet not to complex explanation of these techniques.  I recommend you copy the link and send it to your throwers.

Discus Analysis 2.0: https://youtu.be/hRe2OxaE8b0

Shot Put Analysis 3.0: https://youtu.be/GOHA-RitUTI

Throw Big Throw Far Podcast:  Check out the Madison Throws “Throw Big Throw Far Podcast” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/throw-big-throw-far-podcast/id1449291795  In his latest podcast Joe Frontier from Madison is talking to Coach Dan McQuaid from Wheaton North H.S. with a great topic “Is the Glide Dead”. As usual it’s a great podcast.

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

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.

Enjoy the holidays!

Jim Aikens

Throws Enthusiast!

Throws News You Can Use by Jim Aikens

Hello Throws Enthusiast,

This is Jim Aikens with some “Throws News You Can Use”. I hope all of you have had an enjoyable fall so far.  That Men’s Shot Put competition in Doha was amazing. The top three throwers all throwing over 75’ WOW! Here is a clip from You Tube of some of the best throws in case you haven’t seen them yet. https://youtu.be/32pgvYrU5HM

Some Great Resources:

IThrow.com: https://ithrow.com This website has a lot of resources that coaches can use. This site has the “All Time” top Throws performance list for Illinois, All The “Long & Strong Throws Magazine” issues, Current and past “Throws News you can Use” issues, Job postings and more.

Mac Throws: If you haven’t had the chance to look at it yet you need to check out Mac Throws. https://www.macthrowvideo.com There are some great videos of different throws competitions around the world.

Mcthrows.com:  You should check out the various interviews and articles that are written by Illinois’ own Dan McQuaid. Dan has a great website “The Wonderful World of Throwing”. https://mcthrows.com Dan does a great job writing about the various competitions and has many interviews with today’s throwers & coaches. There are also some great coaching webinars available on this site.

Throw Big Throw Far Podcast:  If you are into podcast you need to check out the Madison Throws “Throw Big Throw Far Podcast” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/throw-big-throw-far-podcast/id1449291795  Joe Frontier from Madison Throws has some amazing interviews that he has recorded for this great podcast series.

Some Great Clinics that are coming this year:

Ryan Whiting’s Learn By Doing throws camp is on December 14th & 15th 2019:

Burlington Central High School is hosting Former World & National Champion Ryan Whiting and National Indoor Champion Chase Ealey and the rest of the Throws Lab staff will be there as well.  This is for athlete and coaches. I suggest you sign up sooner rather than later since there are a limited number of spots.  The link to the registration site is below. Saturday 12/14 is discus and Sunday 12/15 is shot put.

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/AreteNorCalThrowsClub#/selectSessions/2534603

This year’s ITCCCA Track Coaches clinic is January 10th & 11th 2020:

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

This year’s A-Z Learn By Doing Throws Clinic is on Sunday, January 26th  2020:

If you haven’t been to the A-Z Throws clinic you don’t know what your 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. (Sign up sheet will be available soon)

 1st Annual Burlington Central Throws Camp Sunday, February 16th 2020:

This camp 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 and you will be shown the drills to help you to improve in that area.  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. (Sign up sheet will be available soon)

I hope you found this Information helpful.  Please tell other throws coaches you know about this newsletter and have them contact me to get them on the list. You can contact me at Jimaikens@hotmail.com

Thank You for your time.

 

Jim Aikens

Burlington Central HS. Throws Coach

IThrow.com

Throws News you can use

Hello Everyone,
  I hope the end of everyone’s track season went well. I have a couple of items you may be interested in.
1. ITCCCA is in need of a male 150’+ discus thrower to work with legendary throws coach Bob Nihells at the Learn By Doing clinic being held on June 30th & July 1st. The clinic would be free for this young man and he is needed only on July 1st. Coach Nihells will work with this young man while coaches observe.  We have all the other levels for both guys & girls covered. Check out the link of the clinic for details: http://itccca.com/learn-by-doing-clinic-june-30-july-1-2019/
If you have a thrower who is interested please contact me. ASAP, first come first serve. My cell is 847-414-8415.
2. I posted on Twitter a few weeks ago that I was looking for possible summer meets.  I was looking for meets that my kids could just go do and not have to worry about joining a USATF or AAU organization.  I have attached 3 calendar’s that contain the meets that I found through a lot of your help.  I thought it would be easier if they were all in one place.  I did not include USATF or AAU meets in the calendar. You can find that information easily enough on their website.
3. There is an outdoor space in Aurora, Illinois that kids and coaches can go throw this summer. They can also learn to throw the hammer or javelin. Check out the website of Hammerman Throwshttps://hammermanusa.com
They are also have a summer throws meet series this summer.
4. Also, Eric Johnson from Arete Throws will be having another clinic this summer in the Chicago area at Downers Grove South HS. on July 17th & 18th.
5. If you have any meets or clinics that you would like to publicize with other throws coaches please contact me and I will get it out in the next email.
Thanks, & enjoy the summer
Jim Aikens
Throws Coach
Burlington Central High School

Jim Aikens’ Throwing Newsletter

Throws Coaches, A few items that may be of interest to you.

1. Glenbard South is looking for a women’s throws coach. contact Ryan Crissey at ryan_crissey@glenbard.org if you are interested or if you know someone who is interested.
2. Geneva is also looking for a women’s throws coach. contact Gale Gross at ggross@geneva304.org if you are interested or if you know someone who is interested.
3. Don’t forget the ITCCCA clinic is just around the corner.  We have an outstanding group of speakers. Don’t wait to long to get signed up. Follow the links below to find out more about the speakers.

Scott Bennett:Coach Bennett 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 many more. He has coached on the Division 1 and Division 3 levels as well as the high school level. Coach Bennett has a masters degree in Bio Mechanics which along with his trained eye to identify technical movements has enabled him to be a very successful Field Events Coach. Coach Bennett coached Olympian Andy Bloom who threw over 71 feet in the shot put and over 224 feet in the discus. He also coached one of the United States greatest female discus throwers Olympian Aretha Thurmond-Hill. Most recently Coach Bennett has worked with Curt Jensen who threw over 70 in the shot put in 2018 and coached Tim Glover over 84 meters in the javelin. Coach Bennett’s college athletes have included 7 men over 60 feet and 2 women over 57 feet as well as many other successful throwers. Coach Bennett has spoken at multiple state track clinics including Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and several others. He has also spoken at multiple National Throws Coaches Associations Clinics along with presenting at the USATF development camps.. Coach Bennett has the unique ability to easily identify technical faults and can correct those faults with a simplified drill based approach.

4. The A-Z Throws Clinic is coming up on January 27th. This is a unique ‘Learn-By-Doing” format that will really benefit your kids.  We have a number of coaches who will be working with your athletes. In most cases the athlete to coach ratio is 4 or 5 athletes to one coach.  Follow the link below to sign up or for more information.
 
Have a great holiday and lets get ready for another great season of the throws!
Jim Aikens
Burlington Central H.S.
Throws Coach