National Senate

 

Attending: Mark Maas (NSHSTCA Secretary)-Wisconsin, Keith Klestinski-Wisconsin, Wayne Clark (USTFCCCA HS Representative)-Ohio, Mike Corn (USTFCCCA Assistant Director/USATF Coaching Ed.)-Louisiana, Tom Southhall-Colorado, Joe Arrazola-Colorado, Jack Sands-Texas, Don Helberg-Illinois, Billy Johnston-Texas, Frank Miklavcic-Kentucky, Neal Charske-Ohio, Terry Oehrtman-Ohio, Benjamin Watson-Michigan, Matt Somerlot-Ohio, Craig Nelson-Minnesota, Brian Dempsey-Arizona, Spencer Sielschott-New Mexico, Jim Edwards-New Mexico, Leslye Muller-Australia

 

Meeting was called to order by Mark Maas-Wisconsin (NSHSTCA Secretary) at 11:15 am MST

 

Attendees introduced themselves and identified the state organization they represented.

 

Mark Maas described the purpose and goals of the National Senate: a) Pipeline of information to high school coaches between states and from USTFCCCA and USATF, b) Develop coaches education opportunities for high school coaches, and c) Develop high school track coaches associations.

 

Mark cited the history of the senate, the remarkable growth in number of states represented, the outstanding e-mail communication of the past year and the communication, cooperation and learning that has occurred between directors of the various state clinics. These clinics have continued to improve in quality, due in large part to the communication the National Senate fosters. 

 

Clinic directors at the National Senate meeting from Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and New Mexico offered a free clinic (and possible hotel room in some cases) to any National Senate members that could transport themselves to any of these state’s clinics.

 

Each attendee received a copy of the National Senate Minutes from Indianapolis Indiana in 2006 and from the Honolulu, Hawaii National Senate Meeting of November 2008. All were asked to briefly review the minutes and voice any questions or concerns.

 

Some attendees wondered where future meetings of the National Senate would be held given that this year there were two meetings. Mark Maas mentioned that two factors played into the decision to host two meetings this year. The USATF meeting being held in Hawaii this year coupled with the continued growth and desire to assist high school coaches of the USTFCCCA led to the decision to host two meetings. The thought was that by hosting in Phoenix, those Senate members that could not make the trip to Hawaii would still be able to participate in the National Senate. Mark emphasized that the meeting in Phoenix was not to be perceived as an attempt to divest from USATF.

 

Terry Oehrtman asked if there was a conflict between USATF and USTFCCCA. Mike Corn said that there was not a conflict and proceeded to define each organization. USATF is rightly concerned with development of elite athletes and the “medal stand.” Acknowledging that high school coaches play an important role in developing talent, USATF has shown interest in supporting the National Senate.   The USTFCCCA began as an organization designed to represent college coaches and facilitate communication with the NCAA. USTFCCCA has grown and developed and is now in a position to reach out to high school coaches. USTFCCCA recognizes that supporting the National Senate and allowing for participation of high school coaches in USTFCCCA is extremely important.

 

Jim Edwards asked Mike Corn if it were possible to use “Techniques” Magazine, the official publication of the USTFCCCA as a tool for the National Senate to improve communication. Mike said that is an absolute possibility and that efforts have already lead to two high school articles in each of the first two additions. Plans for future issues include a page dedicated to high school concerns that could be used by the senate to promote National Senate concerns and facilitate communication.

 

Matt Somerlot voiced his opinion that the National Senate needs to partner with both USTFCCCA and USATF and that it would be foolish for us to not take advantage of the resources that both of these strong organizations can provide. Matt stated it simply that “we need USATF for our kids and we need USTFCCCA for our coaches.” Mike Corn and Frank Miklavcic concurred with Matt. Mike mentioned that USATF is excited about participation in upcoming events like World Youth Championships and World Youth Olympics and will need the National Senate’s support in fielding the best team possible. USTFCCCA realizes that they are sitting on a wealth of information and resources in the coaches education area and they desire to share that resource by helping to facilitate the National Senate in any way possible.

 

Mike Corn gave a brief history of the USTFCCCA and cited the remarkable surge in membership and attendance at the Annual Meeting. In Jacksonville, FL in 2005, when the Annual Meetings of both USATF and USTFCCCA were at the same site, USTFCCCA Annual Meeting registration was 350. This year, Annual Meeting registration surpassed the 750 mark. Memberships have seen a similar increase and some of that is due to the National Senate and the desire of State Associations to provide membership in the USTFCCCA for an introductory rate of $5 per member the first year and a rate of $10 per year thereafter. A number of the state represented at the meeting have provided this service to their members. The membership includes the quarterly magazine “Techniques.” This magazine has been very well received and is loaded with coaches education articles. A special effort has been made to include two articles by high school coaches in each issue and a special page is being dedicated to high school issues, including the National Senate. Mike asked the question: What does the National Senate need from USATFCCCA? Mike mentioned that Sam Seames, CEO of USTFCCCA personally supported the addition of six sessions for high school coaches at this year’s Annual Meeting. He also asked that Mike express the USTFCCCA’s desire to work with the National Senate. The practice of providing excellent value for Annual Meeting attendees in the way of clinic sessions was something Mike felt would continue to be of value to National Senate members as well. 

 

Mike pointed out that Wayne Clark has been selected to represent high school concerns on the USTFCCCA Board of Directors. Wayne mentioned that any concerns we me have should be forwarded to him at wayne.clark@mfathletic.com so that he might bring them forth to the Board of Directors. Wayne also emphasized that the USTFCCA stands ready to assist the National Senate and high school coaches in every way that they possibly can. Wayne will be responsible for helping to produce the high school page for “Techniques” magazine. 

 

In the absence of other scheduled speakers, Mike Corn volunteered to present USATF reports regarding Junior Programs, Coaches Education, and Emerging Elite Camps. Mike pointed out that the Junior National Meet will be held in June (19-22?) at Ohio State University. The Juniors program is looking to cooperate with both high school and club coaches to identify the best athletes in each state that might qualify for that competition. Tim Baker of USATF has formed a database of prospective athletes and he needs the National Senate’s help in continuing to build that database.

 

In regard to coaches education, Mike reported that Level III is looking to be more curriculum based and specific. For example, discussions are underway to look at a Science Level III. The dates for this year’s Level II school look to be July 12^th - 19^th, 2008. Villanova, Nevada-Reno, Rice and North Texas State are all in the running to host. A decision should be finalized soon. Mike mentioned a possible pilot program entitled “Coaching Youth Athletics.” This program would not be a replacement for level 1. However, the program, which is based on a book by Matt Lydum of DeFrance College in Ohio, is in the stage of developing curriculum and it looks to be outstanding. The 10-12 hour course focuses age appropriate instruction and training for youth. 

 

The Emerging Elite Camps in Chula Vista, California are scheduled for July 2008 (poss. the 13^th ?). Only twenty spots are available for each event area and the demand has been growing tremendously over the past several years as the word is getting out. The camps are an intense five day immersion in your specific event area. The original purpose of the camps was to train athletes. However, the focus has shifted to educating coaches. Matt Somerlot and Jack Sands attested to what a profound experience this was in their development as coaches. Mark Maas mentioned that Wisconsin will pay air-fare for any Wisconsin Coach accepted into the program in exchange for that coach speaking at the annual state clinic upon return. Housing for this year’s camp will be on-site and expenses are paid if you can get yourself there. Contact Mike Holman for additional information.

 

Mark Maas reported that the National Senate Account balance stands at $4,046.20. Wisconsin is still owed $4,015.65 in start-up funds including the costs of the National Senate Website. This means that $30.55 remain until Wisconsin has recouped its initial investment in the National Senate. Member Fees still stand at $100 per state per year. Please send your state’s $100 as soon as possible to Mark Hoffman, National Senate Chair, 801 15^th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172.

Mark Maas explained that now that the National Senate has almost recouped its initial start up debt, emphasis should be placed on attempting to bolster funds to possibly provide scholarships (thus, the need to continue with annual dues and seek other funding sources). These scholarships would allow states that currently lack funding and representation on the National Senate to send a representative to a meeting of the National Senate. National Senate members were receptive to the idea of developing an outreach program.

 

State contact and clinic information was collected and that information will be disseminated by way of e-mail to all National Senate members. States that lack representation are an emphasis.

 

National Senate members are asked to help find a representative in the following states: 

AL, AK, HI, KS, MD, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OK, SC, SD, TN, UT, WV, WY. 

 

Priorities are:   1) President of State Track Coaches Association

                        2) Track Coaches Clinic Director

                        3) State Athletic Association- Track & Field Representative

                        4) Any high school coach willing to develop a contact list and provide leadership

 

New Mexico was removed from the representative needed list with Spencer Sielschott and Jim Edwards in attendance and willing to serve as representatives. It was thought that Utah was represented at a National Senate break out session earlier in the day. Wayne Clark offered to investigate who that might have been.

 

USTFCCCA has not solidified next year’s location as of this meeting. The dates will be December 13^th -18^th, 2008. It is possible that the Annual Meeting might be held in Phoenix again next year. The 2010 and 2011 meetings will be held in San Antonio at a J.W. Marriott property that is currently under construction. An announcement should be forthcoming on next year’s USTFCCCA Meeting.   Next year’s USATF Annual Meeting will be held in Reno, NV, December 3^rd-7^th, 2008.

 

Matt Somerlot mentioned Fred Fink’s http://www.milesplit.us website as a resource for National Senate members.

 

Spencer Sielschott mentioned http://www.athletic.net as a resource helping to organize and set up track meets for free.

 

Spencer Sielschott and Jim Edwards mentioned that one of their own, Mark Koski of New Mexico, has been hired by the National Federation and will be working in their Executive Offices. Spencer and Jim suggested that we try to get someone (possibly Mark Koski) from the National Federation to attend our next National Senate meeting.

 

Motion to adjourn: by Jack Sands, Second by Matt Somerlot. Meeting adjourned at 12:25 pm MT

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Keith Klestinski-Wisconsin Assoc. President/Clinic Co-Chair