Coach Sean's Corner

College to go

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-04:00

Updated 9-8-2011
Millcreek High School the Pad
http://www.millcreekhighschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1979:scholarships-a-financial-aid&catid=702&Itemid=1265

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Deadline Nov 7th
http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/About/InTheCommunity/Partners/LeadersAndAchievers.html

Fastweb for scholarship and financial aid
http://www.fastweb.com/

For this blog post I have created a college checklist of things that student-athletes need to be doing all 4 years of high school in order to get themselves prepared for and go to college.

College Track To Do List
 Freshman
FALL
GPA 3.0 or better
SPRING
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
Perform well
 Sophomore
FALL
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
SPRING
Perform well

 Junior
o FALL
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
Send emails to coaches of schools you want to go to
Introduce yourself, express interest in going to that school and running
track
Provide GPA, rank in class and performances
Start searching for and apply for scholarships
check team website for scholarships http://www.eteamz.com/VelocitySunbird/
o SPRING
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
fee Waiver available check with HS counseling office
Identify and apply for college admission to schools you want to go to
Continue searching for and apply for scholarships
Send emails to college coaches updating on performances
 Senior
FALL
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
Continue searching for and applying for scholarships
Finish and submit applications for college admissions
Spring
Maintain GPA 3.0 or better
Graduate on time
Send emails to college coaches updating on performances
Sign Letter of Intent

Important Websites

Career Cruising
www.careercruising.com/Default.aspx
Federal Student Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.fastaid.com/
http://www.gsfc.org/
http://www.aie.org/
http://www.findtuition.com/
http://www.mymajors.com/
http://www.nelnet.com/
http://www.scholarships4students.com/
http://www.scholarshiphunter.com/
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/
http://www.youuniversitytv.com/

Atlanta Scholarships.com

Scholarship Opportunities
Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Scholarship
www.gwinnettfcu.org/

Toyota Scholarship
2010 Gwinnett Toyota Scholarship Application

Univision 34 Atlanta “Liga de Campeones”
http://www.hsf.net/uploadedFiles/Scholarships/scholarships-national.pdf

The AXA Achievement Scholarship
www.axa-equitable.com/axa-foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html

John F. Kennedy Essay Contest
www.jfklibrary.org/Education+and+Public+Programs/Profile+in+Courage+Award/Essay+Contest+for+High+School+Students/

Jackson EMC Scholarship
http://www.jacksonemc.com/Scholarships.scholarships.0.html

Walton EMC Scholarship
www.waltonemc.com/community/index.php?page=youth

Gates Millennium Scholarship
http://www.blogger.com/www.gmsp.org

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
http://www.ed.gov/programs/iduesbyrd/index.html

APIASF Scholarship Program
www.apiasf.org/scholarships.html

The Better Business Bureau 2010 Student of Integrity
www.atlanta.bbb.org/student_scholarships

Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship Program
http://www.syf.org/

UNCF
www.unef.org/forstudents/scholarship.asp

http://www.blackexcel.org/
http://www.blackstudents.org/
www.maldef.org

Hispanic Scholarship Fund
http://www.hsf.net/

Ron Brown Scholar Program
http://www.ronbrown.org/

The A.T. Sharpton Unrestricted Scholarship
www.jacksonemc.com/scholarship

Next Step Magazine
http://www.nextstepmagazine.com/

Careers and Colleges
http://www.careersandcolleges.com/

Suntrust Bank
www.suntrusteducation.com/sweeps/default.asp

Common athlete injuries

2011-06-21T07:46:00.000-04:00

UPDATE 06/21/2011

. Sit on the floor with both legs out straight

2 Extend your arms and reach forward by bending at the waist as far as possible while keeping your knees straight

3. Hold this position for 10 seconds

4. Relax

5. Repeat

Modified Hurdler Stretch
1. Sit on the floor with one leg out straight.

2. Bend the other leg at the knee and position the sole of that foot against your opposite inner thigh.

3. Extend your arms and reach forward over the one straight leg by bending at the waist as far as possible.

4. Hold this position for 10 seconds.

5. Relax.

6. Repeat

Stand crossover

1. Stand and cross your right foot in front of your left.

2. Slowly lower your forehead to your right knee by bending at the waist.

3. Keep both knees straight.

4. Hold this position for 10 seconds.

5. Relax.

6. Repeat by crossing your left foot in front of your right.

Wall Press

1. Stand one foot from a wall and place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, shoulder-width apart.

2. Take a step back with one leg while pushing into the wall.

3. Keep your back straight and press your heels into the floor.

4. Hold for 10 seconds.

5. Step forward and repeat with the other leg

Coach

Hamstring Stretches

Four Easy Hamstring Stretches to Increase Your Flexibility

From Laura Inverarity, D.O., former About.com Guide

Updated November 12, 2010

UPDATE 06/06/2010

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I wanted to update this blog with another common problem that seems to plaque a lot of athletes in a lot of sports and that is hamstrings.

Just like groin strain, hamstrings seem to be an every occuring challenge that has to be dealt with as a coach in order to help your athletes achieve to levels of performance.

I found a great article by Owen Anderson and Walt Reynolds which discusses the causes of hamstring problems as well as exercises designed to strengthen and alivate those problems in the future. I searched a lot trying to find good science and exercises that I felt would actual begin to solve the problems my athletes have with hamstrings and these seems to do a pretty good job of addressing this issue, I hope you find it useful.

Hamstrings

Coach Sean

An all too common athlete injury is groin strain.

Like most athletic injuries it is usually caused by incorrect muscle use or a combination of incorrect muscle use and not sufficient strength in certain muscle groups.

Here is a great article I found on the causes of groin strain, how to heal it and how to strength the muscles so the likelihood of injury in the future is reduced.

Groin rehab

Another injury that has similar reasons for its occurrence is a Quad strain or pull of the Quadriceps.

This is a great article for healing and prevention:

Quad rehab

Nationals Weekend for Velocity Sun Athletics

2011-03-10T12:35:00.004-05:00

This weekend is the New Balance Indoor Nationals for Track and Field at New York City's Armory.

Velocity has 2 athletes competing, Kevin Gary and Mark Watts in the 400 meter run. We leave for New York this evening and will be back in Georgia on Monday.

Mark and KG compete on Saturday at 3:35pm in the prelims and again on Sunday in the Finals. This will be KG's second appearance at the Armory in the 400 meters. It will also be Mark's second time but it will be Mark's first time as a competitor.

Mark and KG are both ranked in the top 10 in Georgia in the 400m and should represent Velocity Sun, South Gwinnett and Georgia well at Nationals.

We want to wish them both good luck and look forward to lots of good news Saturday and Sunday.

Take this opportunity to look at Velocity's new and improved website at Velocitysun.com

Velocity Sun Athletics seeks sponsors

2011-01-16T14:47:00.005-05:00

Velocity seeks sponsors and sponsorship for the 2011 track and field season.

Velocity 2011 ready to burn it up

2011-01-04T08:33:00.004-05:00

The 2011 Track season is here and Velocity is set to burn up the track.
Velocity will travel for the first time to Clemson to participate in the Clemson High School Indoor Invitational on the 22nd of January.
Velocity will debut its 2011 version of its 4x200 which finished the 2010 summer season with a win at the SMART Pre National and a new meet record.
Kevin Gary, Mark Watts, Vince Mosby, Kevin Harris and Sloane Mattadeen will try their skills at the 300m, and see how fast a PR they can set for themselves.
Jeremy Lacy will have his first opportunity to challenge his PR in the Long Jump and break 21 feet.
Chelsea will make her debut in the 300m as well as penetrate the 18 foot mark in the long jump.
Stay tuned for results of this first venture into the 2011 Indoor Season.
velocitysun.com/

reposted from

Fall is here!

2010-10-07T16:36:00.003-04:00

Fall is here and practice for indoor has begun.

The heat of the summer finally broke just a week ago after it seemed that the summer heat went on for what seemed like forever.

Our indoor season will include trips to LSU,Florida, and Kentucky as well as a end of the season trip to New York City for the National Scholastic Indoor.

Because of the expenses involved with participating in the indoor season Velocity Sun Athletics is doing a online fundraiser to defray the cost of all the travel.

We are participating with Dutchman Farms Online Christmas Tree Fund-raising. If you do not like the hassle involved with going out on a cold evening and going to several lots to find the perfect tree and you want to find a way to help Velocity but you don't have extra funds, then your in luck. This year help Velocity raise money and get your Christmas tree purchase done at the same time. Go to Dutchman Farms website and order and pay for you perfect Christmas tree and have it shipped right to your door on the date you have chosen, what could be simpler.
http://www.dutchmantreefarms.com/organization/VSA
Thank you for supporting Velocity.

Velocity Sun Athletics Chronology

2010-07-26T23:51:00.004-04:00

blank_page2010 Individual High School Outdoor Results

Georgia Olympics 5A 6th Place Finish South Gwinnett Comets

Kevin Gary
State Champion 4x400M 5A GHSA Boys State Championship 3:16.03
2nd Place 400M 5A GHSA Boys State Championship 48.22
5th Place 200M 5A GHSA Boys State Championship 22.04
Mark Watts
State Champion 4x400M 5A Georgia 3:16.03
Chelsea Spencer
5th Place 4x100M 5A GHSA Girls State Championship 48.08 North Gwinnett Bulldogs

2010 Indoor Results
Kevin Gary
#3 400M Georgia
#3 200M Georgia
#5 60M Georgia

Mark Watts
#2 Triple Jump Georgia
#4 400M Georgia
#11 200M Georgia

Jeremy Lacy
#6 Long Jump Georgia

Bryant Crenshaw
#10 Long Jump Georgia

Chelsea Spencer
#10 Long Jump Georgia

2010 Graduates Where are they now.
Bryant Crenshaw - FAMU

Velocity at the SMART Pre National

2010-07-25T23:35:00.002-04:00

RE-POSTED from Milesplit.us

Velocity competed at its last track meet of the 2010 Summer Season and made it one for the history books.

Chelsea Spencer finished 2nd in the Long Jump and 4th in the 100M to round out her summer season.

Kevin Gary took 3rd in the 100m and anchored the 4x200m Relay team which made its debut at the meet by winning and setting a new meet record of 1:33.04. Vince, Tim and Andre rounded out the record setting 4x200m Relay team. That mark will also qualify the 4x200 Relay to compete next March in the National Scholastic Indoor Meet. Adding this relay to the team's events which include the 4x400, 400, 200, Long Jump, High Jump which has also already qualified to compete in the National Scholastic and the University of Kentucky High School Classic.

Jeremy Lacy, Vince Mosby, Tim Daniel and Andre Chambers competed well in the 200m. Jeremy was injured and unable to participate on the 4x200m team.

The two youngest members of Velocity competed and medaled Alex Winsness and Andrew Brown, their second track meet ever.

This was a good way to end a fun summer.

Plans are in the works to have a summer ending bash to put the finishing touches on a great summer, stay tuned.

Velocity prepares for the 2010 Georgia Games

2010-07-11T23:17:00.009-04:00

Team Velocity will be participating in the Georgia Games on Friday and Saturday,July 16th and 17th, 2010.

Participation in these meet will allow the members of Velocity the opportunity to participate in the Southeast Sports Festival schedule to be held in July 30th and Aug 1st, 2010, in Polk County Florida.

The Georgia Games and the Southeast Sports Festival our part of the States Games of America which will be held in San Diego next summer.

Placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd at the Georgia Games or the Southeast Sports Festival will automatically qualify athletes to participate in the 2011 States Games of America in San Diego next summer.

Velocity's final local meet will be July 24th and 25th at the Langston Hughes High School for the Smart Pre-National Meet.

The following Saturday will concluded Velocity's 2011 Summer outdoor season at the Southeast Sports Festival in Polk County, Florida.

repost from Milesplit.us
and Facebook.com

Nike Track National Rankings 2010

2010-07-03T09:54:00.003-04:00

GATFXC.COM - South Gwinnett: "The first ever Nike Track National Meet is in the books and although South did not get invited to participate the Rankings for the Nation are out and here is how South Gwinnett Track did.
High School Boys rankings:

#5 Overall State of Georgia
#29 Southeast Region
#107 USA

South's finish in the National ranking puts South Gwinnett in the top 20% of high school track programs in the Nation for 2010.

I think this is a great cap to put on what has been a terrific year for track and field at South Gwinnett.

South returns all but 2 athletes from the 2010 season for 2011. South returns some key athletes for 2011 who did not compete in the 2010 season. South looks to be a good shape to significantly improve on the success experienced in 2010. GO COMETS!!!"

State Champions 4x400 Georgia

2010-05-15T21:05:00.010-04:00

STATE CHAMPIONS 4X400M RELAY DERWYN TATE, MARK WATTS, JONATHAN KRAUSE, KEVIN GARY 3:16.03
6TH PLACE OVERALL FINISH AT GEORGIA OLYMPICS

GHSA TV 5A 1600m Final

South Gwinnett showed everyone on the track at Jefferson that the Comets can fly and are the best 4x400 team in the State of Georgia. Today in Jefferson on the legs of Derwyn Tate, Mark Watts, Jonathan Krause and Kevin Gary they became State Champions in the 4x400m Relay.

They broke the school record yesterday in the Prelims with a time of 3:16.57 and then broke the school record again today with a time of 3:16.0 and won the State Championship.

Bo Zombra, who was there for the first time at the state meet in the High Jump provided a 9th place finish.

Jonathan started South Gwinnett's scoring total by placing 3rd overall in the Long Jump with a jump of 23' 10". His first attempt he scratched by less than a toe length and that first jump would have been close to 25'.

Kevin Gary continued South's scoring by finishing 2nd in the 400m with a time of 48.22 and a new school record. Kevin also finished 5th in the 200 and anchored the State Championship 4x400m relay.

The 4x400m relay put the icing on the cake for South Gwinnett's 6th place finish by putting together a spectacular 1st place finish. Derwyn Tate started things rolling for South Gwinnett by taking the stick through the first lap and giving to Mark in 1st Place, Mark continued the trend by getting into first place and staying there and adding some space to it so that when Jonathan got the baton South was in a solid first place position. Jonathan handed off to Kevin who keep things going and even increased South's lead and South won 1st place by 25 meters and a time of 3:16.00.

Great end to a good first season for Coach Pritchett as the Boy's Head Coach and everybody should be looking forward to an awesome 2011. GO COMETS!!!

South Gwinnett finished the 2010 Georgia Games with an overall team score of 28 points and 6th place finish in class 5A.

Jonathan Krause 3rd Place Long Jump Georgia Olympics

Kevin Gary 2nd Place 400m,5th Place 200m Georgia Olympics

Mark Watts State Champion 4x400m Relay Georgia Olympics

Derwyn Tate State Champion 4x400m Relay Georgia Olympics

Allsane "Bo" Zombra 9th place finish High Jump Georgia Olympics

South Gwinnett competes at Region 8 5A

2010-04-29T11:53:00.002-04:00

South competed in Region 8 5A on April 26 and 28 at Brookwood and Grayson.

South is taking 9 guys to state which will be held at Jefferson on May 13-15.

Jonathan Krause won the Long Jump with a 23 foot jump putting him in the top 5 going into the State meet. He also finished 3rd in the 200 in a time of 21.94 a PR.

Kevin Gary took top honors in both the 400 and 200 meters by winning them in a SB time of 48.59 seconds and a PR of 21.88 in the 200. He also anchored the blazing 4x400m Relay which blew away the rest of field in a time of 3:20.82. Derwyn Tate was the first leg, followed by Mark Watts, and Jonathan Krause was 3rd leg.

Mark Watts finished 3rd in the 400m, in determination that had to be made by photo finish because it was so close. Mark also finished 5th in the Triple Jump and a PR of 42' 1.5", which is awesome since 6 months ago he didn't even know how to triple jump.

Bo Zombra finshed 2nd in the High Jump and is headed to state as a sophmore. He cleared 6'2" and barely missed clearing 6'4".

Everyone who competed at Region did well and almost everyone PRed which is awesome and is made possible by lots of diligent hard work done everyday in practice rain or shine.

The next 10 South prepares to compete at State.

repost from: http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/SG/announcement/9353

South Gwinnett competes at Region 8 5A

2010-04-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

South competed in Region 8 5A on April 26 and 28 at Brookwood and Grayson.

South is taking 9 guys to state which will be held at Jefferson on May 13-15.

Jonathan Krause won the Long Jump with a 23 foot jump putting him in the top 5 going into the State meet. He also finished 3rd in the 200 in a time of 21.94 a PR.

Kevin Gary took top honors in both the 400 and 200 meters by winning them in a SB time of 48.59 seconds and a PR of 21.88 in the 200. He also anchored the blazing 4x400m Relay which blew away the rest of field in a time of 3:20.82. Derwyn Tate was the first leg, followed by Mark Watts, and Jonathan Krause was 3rd leg.

Mark Watts finished 3rd in the 400m, in determination that had to be made by photo finish because it was so close. Mark also finished 5th in the Triple Jump and a PR of 42' 1.5", which is awesome since 6 months ago he didn't even know how to triple jump.

Bo Allsane finshed 2nd in the High Jump and is headed to state as a sophmore. He cleared 6'2" and barely missed clearing 6'4".

Everyone who competed at Region did well and almost everyone PRed which is awesome and is made possible by lots of diligent hard work done everyday in practice rain or shine.

The next 10 South prepares to compete at State.

South Gwinnett @ Gladiator Invitational

2010-04-04T12:34:00.005-04:00

South Gwinnett took part in Clarke Central's Gladiator Invitational. It was a great meet with some great performances out of some of the regular Varsity runners and it also provided some opportunities for JV runners to show their stuff.

In the 100M Hurdles Shaquira Hall ran 18.42 finishing 4th.

In the 110 Meter Hurdles Darius Jones-craven ran 15.59 finished 3rd.

Sam Dambreville finished 4th in the 1600m in a time of 5:53.23 and Tiffany Evans finished 6th in a 6:05.30 and a PR. Jamal Thompson PRed in the 1600 with a time of 5:06.43 and Lincoln Jacobs 5:18.82 was just 2 seconds of his best time and he ran with his left arm in a cast.

The 300 Meter Hurdles was great for South everybody PRed.
5) Shyerra Harris 50.93
8) Shaquira Hall 53.25
3) Darius Jones-craven 41.34
9) Scott Chiware 43.97

Lincoln Jacobs finished 3200 Meter Run 5th in at time of 11:54.62

In the 400m Mark Watts 49.69,Makhiya Turner 1:03.40,Jahze' Wyse 1:05.83
all personal records and Mark finished 2nd overall and Kevin Gary finished 3rd.

In the 4x100 Meter Relay the girls ran a season best 52.86. The boys team had to make several changes in order to run the 4x100 and ran a 43.3.

In the 4x400 Meter Relay the girls ran a season best 4:21.03 and on the boys side a couple of substitutions had to be made and they ran a 3:25.80 to a second place finish. This 2nd place was accomplished on the legs of Derwyn Tate, Darius Jones-Craven, Tim Daniel and Mark Watts.

At 800 Meters Meernagh Boursiquot ran a 2:43.30, PR and a 6th place finish. On the boys side Jamal Thompson ran a PR of 2:12.99

Tim Daniel finished 5th in the High Jump with a PR of 6-2

Chris Russo finished 4th in the Shot Put with a throw of 43-7.

Mark Watts finished 5th in the Triple Jump with a jump of 41-5.5, which is great when you consider the runway was less than half the normal distance.

This meet required several athletes to step up and help and they answered the challenge and we saw many good things that will bode well for South Gwinnett's future.

original post on http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/SG/announcement/9154

Shin Splints

2010-03-24T20:29:00.007-04:00

SHIN SPLINTS

If there is one common running injure that plagues coaches and it is the Shin Splint.

They can be painful and can prevent an athlete from reaching their full potential by not allowing them to even practice with any real consistency which will preclude athletes from fully engaging their abilities.

Usually the most common cure for shin splints is to make sure that athletes have the proper foot wear, I have attached an article which discusses the proper footwear based on foot type.

http://running.about.com/od/shoesapparelandgear/a/foottypes.htm

Some people have weak shins and these are some great exercises that if done regularly will strengthen the shins and reduce and eliminate painful shin splints.

Here is a link to some good information about treating and preventing shin splints.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/shin-splints

Coach Sean

South Gwinnett @ GTech Coaches Invitational

2010-03-22T10:37:00.002-04:00

Repost from http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/SG/announcement/9042

South Gwinnett Boys competed at the Coaches Invitational at Georgia Tech on Friday and Saturday and performed well.

South Gwinnett took 3rd place overall in the Swedish Medley Relay, which is 100,100,200,400. Bryant Crenshaw was the 1st leg, followed by Jonathan Krause, Kevin Gary did the 200m 3rd leg and Mark Watts anchored the team with the 400m 4th leg. They ran in a blistering time of 1:33.34.

South also competed in the 4x100, 4x800 and the 4x400 which came in 3rd overall in a time of 3:23.85 on the legs of Mark Watts, Jonathan Krause, Bryant Crenshaw and Kevin Gary.

Tim Daniel and Bo Zombra tied for 10th in the High Jump and Mark Watts competed in the Triple Jump.

It was a great meet and the guys performed well.

The girls competed in the Stephenson relays at Panthersville Stadium on Saturday.

Kevin Gary National Elite 100m

2010-03-15T10:58:00.002-04:00

Repost from GATFXC.com

South Gwinnett competed Saturday in the Jerry Arnold Georgia Challenge.

Kevin Gary ran to a second place finish in the 100m and a time of 10.79, which put him in the number 2 spot in the State of Georgia in the 100m and a National Elite ranking.

Bo Zambro came in 3rd in the High Jump with a jump of 6'0".

The 4x400 came in first with a time of 3:27.72, on the legs of Mark Watts, Jonathan Krause, Bryant Crenshaw and Kevin Gary.

South Gwinnett competes this weekend in the Coaches Invitational at Georgia Tech on Friday on Saturday.
Final Heat of the 100m at the Jerry Arnold Georgia Challenge
National Elite Kevin Gary 100m at Georgia Challenge 3/12/2010
http://ga.milesplit.us/meets/60991/videos?id=9909

State and Region Rankings from GATFXC.com

2010-03-15T10:11:00.004-04:00

Repost from GATFXC.com
State rankings as of 3/6/2010 from GATFXC.com
Racing the Comets

200m
1. 22.25 Kevin Gary GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
3. 22.36 Tamaric Johnson GA Stone Mountain HS 2012 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
18. 22.82 Isaiah Carson GA Columbia High School 2010 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets 19. 22.85 Fred Scott GA Stone Mountain HS 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

400m
1. 48.93 Kevin Gary GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets**
MILESPLIT US SECOND TEAM ELITE 49.50 ***
3. 49.78 Tamaric Johnson GA Stone Mountain HS 2012 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
4. 49.84 Mark Watts GA South Gwinnett 2012 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
7. 50.47 Octavious Andrews GA Stone Mountain HS 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
4x400m
9.3:26.79 GA Stone Mountain HS 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
13. 3:28.45 GA South Gwinnett 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

Region 8 Standings
High Jump
2. 6-2 Allassane Zombra GA South Gwinnett 2012 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
4. 6-0 Tim Daniel GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

Triple Jump
3. 41-10 Mark Watts GA South Gwinnett 2012 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

4x100
4. 44.08 GA South Gwinnett 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

4x4001. 3:28.45 GA South Gwinnett 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
300 Hurdle
6. 43.23 Darius Jones-craven GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
9. 43.95 Chidabem Ani GA Central Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
12. 44.55 Ramesh Annauraju GA Central Gwinnett 2010 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
13. 44.58 Scott Chiware GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

Discus
10. 105-5 Jonathan Crowder GA Central Gwinnett -
03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
11. 105-2.5 Ryan Wilson GA South Gwinnett 2011 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets
15. 96-4 Bradley Clark GA Central Gwinnett 2010 03/06/2010 Racing the Comets

Posted by Sean K. Robison Sr. on 03-12-2010

South Men win 1st Annual Racing the Comets

2010-03-15T10:07:00.003-04:00

Repost from South Gwinnett's Milesplit page http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/SG/announcements

The first annual running of Racing the Comets was a huge success. There were a number of outstanding performances and the meet ran smoothly. Former Men's head coach David Mudd was the annoucer for the event and another former South Head Track Coach Larry Highbaugh was the official starter. A big thank you to both of them for their outstanding help in making the first running of Racing the Comets a success.We need to send a HUGE THANK YOU TO THE SOUTH GWINNETT BOOSTERS for handling concessions and the gates, Ms. Dionne, Ms. Val, Ms. Nikki, Ms. Willis, Ms. Jo and the other parent and student volunteers that helped out, it was a huge job and they were terrific and the fish was outstanding, Thank You so much.We want to thank Central Gwinnett, Heritage, Stone Mountain, Columbia, and Clarkston for participating and making this a successful meet.We also want to thank the Perfect Timing Group for helping make this meet successful and the timely way in which they reported the results.We also want to thank South Gwinnett Men and Women teams' for their help during the entire meet it was very much appreciated.Kevin Gary ran 22.25 in the 200m and 48.93 in the 400m, putting Kevin at the top of the State Rankings this week. Mark Watts was equally impressive with a 49.84 and a 4th place state ranking. He also placed 2nd in the Triple Jump with a mark 41-10 just 2 inches short of the winning jump 42-00.[url] http://ga.milesplit.us/rankings/2010/outdoor/hs/m[/]Bo Zombra and Tim Daniel went 1, 2 in the High Jump and a PR for both. Bo jumped 6-2 and Tim jumped 6-0.We saw a lot of good things as well as things that need improvement which is good to see early in the season.The girls performed well also: Tiffany Evans won the 1600m in 6:18.06. Imonee Bowers came in 3rd in the 100 in a time of 13:46.South Gwinnett went 2,3 in the 300 hurdles on the legs of Sherane Barnett and Shyerra Harris, 53:34, 53:79.Team scores on the Womens' side:1 Central Gwinnett 2372 Heritage High School 1913 South Gwinnett 1034 Clarkston 445 Stone Mountain 15Mens' Team Scores1 South Gwinnett 1732 Stone Mountain 1573 Central Gwinnett 1054 Heritage 1045 Columbia 516 Clarkston 50Thanks to the teams,athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers for making this a great event. See all of you next year.

Preventing and healing Groin injuries

2010-02-23T10:31:00.004-05:00

There isn't a coach out there that hasn't had to deal with athletes with a strained groin.
It has to be one of the most frustrating injuries to deal with because it makes a lot of motions painful for an athlete and ends up restricting an athletes movements.

I am not a propoent of static stretching before a workout except for athletes who have a tendency to pull muscles.

The best practice is to get athletes very warm before doing any type of work that requires full and fast range of motion. For those athletes who tend to get strained or pulled muscles a few specific static stretches before the workout should be the norm for these athletes.

Preventing groin injuries is the best practice and it is easy to implement a daily routine that incorpoorates gentle stretching as well as the use of a warming balm into a team's daily routine that will lessen the chance for athletes to get a groin injury.

Before a warmup applying a balm like Tiger Balm is a good way to help the muscle warmup and relax and is only recommend for athletes who strain or have a tendency to strain muslces.

Make sure with any static stetching routine that there is no bouncing. The whole idea of a static stretch is to control and gently stretch the muscle, if the muscle is boucing around there is no control and increases the chance of injury to that muscle or muscle groups.

Here are some very specific groin stretches that should be part of the daily routine for all athletes but especaily any athletes who tend to strain their groin.

Squatting Adductor Stretch

Squatting Adductor Stretch
Photo © Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
Athletes who sustain a groin strain will want to incorporate a stretching program as part of their rehabilitation. Some simple stretches can help ease the symptoms of a groin strain. Furthermore, stretching can be a useful part of preventing groin injuries from occurring.
As a general rule, the stretches should not hurt. There should be a gentle pulling sensation of the muscle, but this should not be painful.
The first stretch is the squatting adductor stretch:
· Squat to the ground with your arms between your legs.
· Allow your knees to move outwards.
· Stretch your legs apart by pushing out with your elbows.

Butterfly Stretch
Photo © Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
The butterfly stretch is done in a sitting position.
· Sit with your feet together and knees bent. Grasp your feet with your hands.
· Stretch your knees down towards the ground.
· Do not bounce. Feel the stretch along your inner thigh.
Adductor Stretch

Adductor Stretch
Photo © Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
The adductor stretch is done while standing.
· Stretch one leg out to the side, keeping your other leg under your torso.
· Bend the knee underneath your torso to stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg.
· Your outstretched leg should have a straight knee, and you should feel the stretch on the inner thigh.
Cross-Leg Stretch

Cross-Leg Stretch
Photo © Jonathan Cluett, M.D.
The cross-leg stretch is done while sitting.
· While sitting in a chair, cross one leg over the other.
· Press the knee of the crossed leg down towards the ground.
This stretch will emphasize the muscles of the inner thigh and front of the thigh.

Velocity at the University of Kentucky

2010-02-21T23:10:00.003-05:00

February 20, 2010 was a great day at the University of Kentucky High School meet for the Velocity Sunbirds. Team Velocity came away from that Meet with Georgia rankings in the top 10 in the 400m, 200m, 60m, and the Long Jump.

Kevin Gary and Mark Watts are now ranked 3rd and 4th in the State of Georgia in the 400m. Kevin ran the 400m in a time of 49.63. Kevin is also ranked 3rd in Georgia in the 200m with a time of 22.28.

We would like to welcome Mark Watts to the sub 50 second club by running the 400m in a time of 49.77. GREAT JOB! MARK!

Jeremy Lacy and Bryant Crenshaw also performed well at University of Kentucky in the Long Jump. Jeremy performed a personal and season best by jumping 20'1" and finishing in 12th place overall. Bryant jumped 19.075'and finished 16th overall. Jeremy is ranked 6th in the State and Bryant 10th. A great finish to the weekend's efforts considering that they entered the meet ranked 18th and 20th.

The 4x400 also competed and came out 8th overall in the meet and as the top 4x400 team from Georgia.

The first week of the high school season begins next week and it looks to be a good 1st week for these young men.

Velocity competes at U of Florida

2010-02-01T09:01:00.002-05:00

Team Velocity performed well at the Jimmy Carnes@ University of Florida over the weekend.
Kevin Gary finished 1st overall in the 400m with a time of 50.58 and a gold medal. Kevin finished 3rd overall in the 200m with a time of 22.61. Kevin was invited back to compete on Sunday in both events as part of the Rising Stars competition.

Mark Watts performed well in the 55m, 200m and 400m. This was Mark's first 55m and he ran 6.89, a good time for a 1st. A collision occurred in the 2nd lap of the 400m and quick thinking and reflexes on Mark's part he was able to avoid the pile up and complete the race.

Chelsea Spencer competed in the Long Jump, 55m, and 200m. This was Chelsea's first 55m and she did well and gained valuable experience. She jumped 14-03.25 feet in the Long Jump. Chelsea was invited back on Sunday to compete in the Rising Stars Competition in the Long Jump.

Jeremy Lacy performed in his first indoor 55m,200m and Long Jump and came in 9th overall in the Long Jump with a jump of 19-5.25 feet which puts him almost at his Personal Best and puts him well on his way of being able to break well into the 20s by the start of the high school season.

Overall Velocity scored 16 points at this meet and was a great meet for the team and good experience for everybody.

Velocity travel to University of Kentucky in 3 weeks to compete at the University of Kentucky High School Invitational where we should see more great performances as well as the 4x400's 2nd attempt to drive the relay's time way down.

Video should be up from the meet @ youtube by the end of today.

I want to thank Ms. Nikki, Ms. Sonya and John, and grandma for their help and support this weekend it is so very much appreciated.

Results will be posted on:

USATFA Core Abdominal Routine 1

2010-01-20T19:46:00.001-05:00

For anyone who wants to have success in track and field needs to watch and start doing this routine.

Velocity Sunbird on YouTube and the ETSU Meet

2010-01-19T22:07:00.006-05:00

Reposted from http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/VSA/announcement/8674

Velocity Sunbird Athletics is now on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/robsk044

Velocity Athletics now has video avaliable from practices as well as meets that Velocity Athletes have participated in. The You-tube site was set up as a method for helping athletes improve their performances in the sport of track and field as well as an easy and quick way to point potentially interested college coaches to a place to look at past performances and to evaluate potential to compete at the collegiate level.

This site will grow and improve and will become an archive of past performances as well video journal of the athletes who have been a part of the Velocity Sunbirds athletic family.

Velocity Sunbird Athletics takes it first step into the world of competitive high school track and field by participating this weekend in the Niswonger Invitational at East Tennesse State University on Jan. 22 and 23. Look for updates and results on this meet on Milesplit.us.

50m Technique run

2009-12-30T18:42:00.002-05:00

Technique run is designed to have an athlete go at a speed fast enough to get all the parts working but not so fast that corrections to the technique cannot be made. This is usually about 75%. Going 100% makes Technique runs worthless because corrections to form are all but impossible at full speed.

In this video Kevin Gary is demonstrating correct running form as well as acceleration

We do technique runs twice a week and try to video tape them so that athletes can look at themselves and see how they are doing and what adjustment they might need to make.

It is easier to tell an athlete what they need to work on by showing them instead of simply telling them.

Video tape is a great teaching tool for most events in track and field.

South Gwinnett 2010

2009-12-29T10:23:00.008-05:00

Repost from

At South Gwinnett we are really excited about the 2010 high school season of track and field. We have a brand new track, new runways and pits, a reinvigorated booster club and a talented pool of athletes.

For the first time in several years South is hosting 2 track meets which we plan to make not only annual events but a quality set of meets that are popular not just locally but regionally for the quality of the meet both in competition and handling.

March 3, 2010 will be one of the first JV and 9th grade meets of the season. Racing the Comets JV is open to all JV as well as 9th grade teams. There is no limit to the number of entries per team so all teams attending can give their athletes an opportunity to compete. The exciting thing about this meet is that it is Fully Automated Timing, (FAT), so a lot of young athletes will get their first FAT of the season and some athletes will get their first FAT every.

We choose to do the JV meet this way so that younger athletes have an opportunity to begin to track their own progress and be able to see through ga.Milesplit.com how they are improving their performance in their events. It also gives them a verified time that they can use to enter meets such as the Nike National Outdoor Meet.

Racing the Comets on March 6, 2010 is exactly as it sounds a fast meet. The quality of the teams coming to the first installment of this meet looks to make it a very fast and exciting meet. Some of the athletes to watch at this meet will be Kevin Gary in the 200 and 400m. Kevin finished last year at the State Meet in 3rd place and is one of the two athletes who is returning from last season to go after the not only first place in the state of Georgia but also to try to set a new 400m time for 5A in the state of Georgia. Look for Aaron Wimberly to shine in the 300m hurdles as well as the 100m. Aaron is coming off a terrific high school football season as one of the top running backs in the county. South Gwinnett's 4x100 and 4x400 will once again be in excellent form and will look to break the County record again this year in both races. South also looks to be much stronger this year in the field events and we look to see some much improved performances there as well. Look to see De'jah Howard improve her performance in the 300m hurdles after breaking the school record twice last year in first time ever running track.

Some of the other teams to watch are Eastside's Kenya Shakoor, Kimberly Thomas, J'quyra Moncur-Blue and Mart Boatwright.
Look for Heritage High's Aaron Worthy and Jenkins Rufus.

Redan High’s Lamesha Glover, Crystal Mcbride, and Otavius Johnson are sure to put up some good performances.

The relays will be exciting to watch as Redan, Eastside, and Columbia will challenge South Gwinnett for dominance in the 4x100 and the 4x400.

Relays on the girls side will be just as exciting with Redan, Eastside Columbia, Heritage and others challenging for bragging rights across classifications.

There will also be surprise performances at this year’s meet as well.

As of the writing of this article there are still openings available for both boys and girls teams for the Varsity meet on March 6th and the JV/9th grade meet has no team restrictions.

We look forward to seeing all the teams planning to run in first Racing the Comets Classic series.

GO COMETS!!!

Reposted on Active Rain.com

Indoor Workouts are avaliable online

2009-10-06T12:51:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone,

The indoor season workouts are now available on the team website.
You have to be a member of Velocity Sunbird Athletics in order to access this portion of the website.

If you are a member of Velocity but cannot log into the member's only areas then talk to Coach Sean so that you can gain access to this section.

The 2010 logo and Motto for the Velocity Sunbirds is available on the website. These will go on all Velocity promotional materials for the upcoming Indoor and Outdoor Seasons.

Here is the link to the pictures

http://www.eteamz.com/VelocitySunbird/links

Autumn and Sprinters Arm movements

2009-10-02T07:43:00.010-04:00

Autumn is here and preparation begin shortly for the indoor season.

For those who have spent time with me you know how much I stress the importance of the arms movements in sprinting and also the torso and hips position.

I read an article last evening about the importance of the arms in sprinting. The article points out that when you observe Usain Bolt his arm movements are very deliberatly and also change during specific segments of the race, reinforcing the importance of the transitions that occur and the arms are pivotal (no pun intended) in helping accomplish those transitions.

I have always tried to teach my athletes and the article also points this out, the importance of the arms, their position in relation to the torso and shoulders and the fact they are the throttle. If they arms move faster the legs follow suit, if the arms get full extension the legs do also. If they are positioned to close to the torso it doesn't allow the hips to swing on their axis because the shoulders are unable to swing on their axis. If the arms are out to wide there is to much rotation in the shoulders and hips creating additional resistance and balance problems as well. Interesting that the hip bone really is connected to the shoulder bone.

It seems to be hard concept for some athletes and coaches to understand that the body is made up of a number of fulcrums and levers, that by design work together to allow movement to occur. Teaching athletes the importance of proper form as well as body and arm position will help to stabilize them as they run and will go a long way toward making them more efficient and effective runners. Which for sprinters is critical to increasing speed and decreasing time.

As a coach if you minimize the number of variables that have to be controlled you decrease the likelyhood of injuries and increase frequency of success in sprinting.

I have attached a link to the article I think most coaches will find it enlightning and may help them to solve some problems that may have crept into their athletes sprinting abilities.

http://speedendurance.com/2009/09/11/arm-action-in-sprinting/%22%3E

For Velocity Sunbird Athletics athletes not involved in a fall sport training for indoor begins next week.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend. I know here in Atlanta it is suppose to be a perfect weekend.

Oh yeah GO BIG BLUE! BSU #5 in the nation beat UC Davis.

Team sites:
http://www.eteamz.com/veloctiysunbird
http://ga.milesplit.us/teams/VSA/

Parent Meeting Indoor Practice Begin

2009-09-21T17:54:00.005-04:00

Practice for the indoor season is almost here. We start practice at 3:30pm on October 5th at South Gwinnett.

I have scheduled a meeting with parents for October 10th starting at 7pm at my house, I have attached the email I sent out.

Hello everyone,

I am sending this message out to invite all of you to my home on Oct 10 at 7pm for a Mexican Potluck and a working session and q & a session for any parents wanting a better idea about what indoor track is and what is involved. We will also be discussing the up coming indoor season. I am planning for this meeting to last no more than 2 hours. Spouses or significant others are certainly welcome.

Please bring your favorite Mexican dish. We are expecting 10-12 people. I will be making desert.

We will discuss the upcoming indoor season and a few items related to the high school and summer outdoor seasons and the schedule as well as talk about cost, fundraising, membership, academics and scholarship opportunities among other things.

If you have any suggestions for types of fundraising, out of town travel, costs, etc., this would be a great meeting to bring those ideas.

Please RSVP we how many are coming so that we can get a count of everyone.

If you have an issue with finding a babysitter for little ones please bring them I am sure my kids can help keep them entertained.

My home is in the city of Loganville on the Gwinnett county side here is my address:

4484 Fiddlers Bend
Loganville, GA 30052

If you need directions place email or call me at 678-395-9778.

Sincerely,

Coach Sean Robison

Sean K. Robison Sr.
Head Coach
678-395-9778

GO BIG BLUE, #14 BSU @ home beats #16 Oregon

2009-09-04T09:27:00.003-04:00

I know I coach track but I have to post a blog that shares my enthusiasm for my Alum Mater Boise State University and it is after all the beginning of College Football one of my favorite times of the year.

I did not stay up for the game but I read and watched all the analysis, highlights and the ruckus afterward.

This game was sweeter then last years win against Oregon because the Broncos beat Oregon at home. The Broncos are 65-2 at home since 1996. Beware of playing in Bronco stadium it can be hazardous to your win-lose record.

When everybody says this was the biggest game in BSU history, believe it. Boise is a great town that has always supported their local college and this game and the win last night are huge for a city that takes pride in its pioneer roots and pleasure in its winning sport teams.

Much of the state was rooting for BSU and the bragging rights that come with beating what many pundits say will be the team to finish 2nd in the PAC-10.

I have family that cheers for Oregon State and I think some that even cheer for Oregon.

My teams are BSU and BYU and anyone playing Oregon, Oregon State, and Georgia.

I remember the Bronco's win in 1980 National Championship against Eastern Kentucky and the buzz and excitement that happened in Boise that year. Take that excitement level times 100 and you will begin to have an idea of what BSU Football means to Boise, the Treasure Valley, the state and all those who claim BSU as Alumni it's huge to all of us who at some point in our lives were part of Big Blue.

I just want to say GO BIG BLUE, GO BLUE THUNDER, GO BRONCOS!!!!

I love the smurf turf!

Last Day of Summer

2009-09-02T15:01:00.000-04:00

This marks the unofficial last week of summer.

Many students have already been back to school for several weeks and others just started or will be going back to school the day after Labor Day.

Because of where Labor Day is situated in the calendar it brings the unofficial end to summer and the start of fall.

High school football teams have already taken to the gridiron, and volleyball has been in play for several weeks also.

This weekend is the official kick off of the College football season and the beginning of another exciting fall full of Friday Night Lights, the high pitched squeal of trumpets and Saturday afternoon tailgating.

In spite of current economic conditions I think it is always good time to spend quality time with our families and friends and supporting our kids in school as well as their extra-curricular activities.

For those traveling out of town this weekend be safe and have an enjoyable last weekend of summer. If your staying here sleep in and enjoy the weekend.

Coach

Another World Championships in the Record Books!

2009-08-24T12:20:00.017-04:00

Well the 12th Annual IAAF Track and Field Championships are over and wow what championships it was. Team USA showed that it is still the premiere track and field team in the world and added a few more accolades to the list.

Pictures of Team USA's Gold Medal Mens and Womens 4x400m Relay teams. GO USA!!!

We saw the World Records in the 100 and 200 meters broken again by the current record holder, Usain Bolt, 100m-9.58 & the 200m-19.19. When you think about the fact it wasn't that long ago that many "experts" didn't think we would ever see anyone go below 10.0 and now we are almost half way to 9.0.

Tyson Gay has a new American record in the 100m at 9.71 and he finished in 2nd place behind the World recorder holder.

Sanya Richards was finally able to show the World she is the best women's 400m runner in the world.

I have listed all the accomplishments of this year's Team USA and they are some really great accomplisments.

************************************************************************************

Here it is from the USATF website:

Athletics

08-23-2009
Contact:
Tom Surber
Media Information Manager
USA Track & Field
317-713-4690

Notable accomplishments by Team USA athletes at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Berlin:

-Team USA won more gold medals than any other country (10)...2nd place Jamaica (7)

-Team USA won more medals than any other country (22)...2nd place Jamaica (13)

-Team USA dominated the placing table with 231 points...2nd place Russia (154)

-Tyson Gay posts American record in 100 meters: 9.71 seconds (third-fastest time ever).

-Dwight Phillips won his third world outdoor title in the men's long jump, tying Ivan Pedroso of Cuba for the most wins ever at this event.

-Trey Hardee improved his personal best by 256 points in winning the decathlon gold medal with 8,790 points, making him the #3 American all time in that event.

-Team USA is now the only nation to have three separate athletes win gold in the men's shot put in three consecutive years: Adam Nelson (2005), Reese Hoffa (2007), Christian Cantwell (2009).

- LeShawn Merritt won the Mens 400m Hurdles.

- Michelle Carter's sixth-place finish in the women's shot put is the highest by an American since Connie Price-Smith finished fifth in 1997.

-Amy Yoder Begley's sixth-place finish in the women's 10,000m in 31:13.78 is the fastest time ever by an American at a World Outdoor Championships.

-Jenny Barringer bettered her own American record in the 3,000m steeplechase final in 9:12.50, which improved upon her previous standard by nearly 10 seconds. Her fifth-place finish is the highest ever by an American at a World Championships.

- Dathan Ritzenhein's time of 27:22:28 is the best ever by an American in the 10,000m at a World Outdoor Championships. His sixth-place finish is also the best ever by an American.

-For the first time in World Championships history, three U.S. men: Bernard Lagat, Lopez Lomong and Leonel Manzano qualified for the men's 1,500m final. The last time three American men appeared in an Olympic 1,500m final was 1968 (Jim Ryun, Tom Von Ruden, Marty Liquori).- Kerron Clement joined National Track & Field Hall of Famer Edwin Moses (1983, 1987) and Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic (2001, 2003) as the only men ever to win the world 400m hurdles title twice. All three accomplished the feat in consecutive years.

- Rachel Yurkovich became the first American woman to qualify for the women's javelin final at a World Championships since Karin Smith finished 10th in 1983.

-These championships mark the first time ever that Team USA has placed three women (Christin Wurth-Thomas, Shannon Rowbury & Anna Willard) in a World Outdoor Championships 1,500m final.

- Nick Symmonds is the first American to make the men's 800m final at a world outdoor championships since Rich Kenah won the bronze medal and Mark Everett finished eighth in 1997.

-Allyson Felix won her third consecutive women's world 200m title, more than anyone in history.

-Stephanie Brown Trafton and Aretha Thurmond qualified for the women's discus final. It was the first time two Americans competed in that final since 2001.

-Kara Goucher's 10th place finish in the women's marathon is the highest for an American since Linda Somers placed seventh in 1995.

-Team USA women's fifth place finish in the World Marathon Cup at the World Outdoor Championships is its best finish ever. Team USA finished sixth in 1999, 2005 & 2007.

- For the first time ever, three U.S. women (Rowbury, Wurth-Thomas, Willard) finished in the top ten in the women's 1,500 meters.-Shannon Rowbury's bronze medal win in the women's 1,500m final is the highest finish by an American since Regina Jacobs won the silver medal in 1999.

-Team USA's gold medal winning women's 4x400m relay squad of Debbie Dunn, Allyson Felix, Lashinda Demus and Sanya Richards posted the fastest time in the world since 1993 (3:17.83). It is the sixth-fastest time ever.

-Brittney Reese's win in the women's long jump is the first by an American at the World Outdoor Championships since Tianna Madison won gold at Helsinki in 2005.

-Team USA's gold medal winning 4x400m relay quartet of Angelo Taylor, Jeremy Wariner, Kerron Clement and LaShawn Merritt posted the fastest time in the world this year of 2:57.86.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

Richards and Clement take Gold at World

2009-08-19T09:23:00.014-04:00

Sanya finally did it and in grand style winning the 400m and putting to rest any doubt that she is the best woman at 400m.

Kerron also did a great job in winning the 400m Hurdles.

Richards wins 400m gold, Clement defends hurdles title at World Championships
Contact:
Tom Surber
Media Information Manager
USA Track & Field
317-713-4690

BERLIN - Sanya Richards won a long sought after individual 400m gold medal and Kerron Clement held on to his world hurdles crown Tuesday evening at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics at the 1936 Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.

Richards wins gold medal in women's 400 meters

2008 Olympic bronze medalist and world ranked #1 Sanya Richards (Austin, Tex.) won the first individual women's 400m world title of her career when she crossed the finish line first in this evening's final in the world leading time of 49.00 seconds.

Richards was even with Russia's Antonina Krivoshapka with 200 meters to go in the race. After leaving Krivoshapka behind, Richards still had to hold off a strong challenge from Jamaica's Shericka Williams down the final stretch. Richards broke away from Williams with 70 meters to go and ran by herself the rest of the way to victory. Williams was the runner-up with a personal best of 49.32, with Krivoshapka finishing third in 49.71.

The 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist, Richards joins Jearl Miles (2003, Stuttgart) as the only Americans ever to win this event at a World Outdoor Championship.

Richards has been ranked #1 in the world in her event in each of the last four years and had yet to win an Olympic or World Championships individual gold medal, until tonight.

In her first ever trip to a World Outdoor Championships, 2009 USA Outdoor Championships runner-up Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), finished sixth in the final in 50.35.

Clement keeps world title

2007 world champion and 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Fla.) joined elite company this evening in winning his second consecutive world outdoor title.

Clement, who entered this evening's action as the #1 ranked men's 400m hurdler in the world, was in command throughout tonight's final and won it convincingly in the fastest time in the world this year of 47.91 seconds.

Clement joins National Track & Field Hall of Famer Edwin Moses (1983, 1987) and Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic (2001, 2003; who finished 8th tonight) as the only men ever to win the world 400m hurdles title twice, with all three accomplishing the feat in consecutive years.

2005 world outdoor champion, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and reigning USA Outdoor champion Bershawn "Batman" Jackson (Savoy, Ill.), came from behind late in the race and out-leaned Jehue Gordon of Trinidad (17-year old 2009 Pan Am Junior silver medalist) for the bronze medal with his national record time of 48.23.

2008 Olympian Javier Culson (PUR) posted a national record with his silver medal winning finish in 48.09.Other Americans who have won world 400m hurdles titles include Kevin Young (1993) and Derrick Adkins (1995).

Yurkovich places 12th in javelin final

Two-time NCAA champion Rachel Yurkovich (Eugene, Ore.), who at these Championships became the first American woman to qualify for the women's javelin final at a World Championships since Karin Smith finished 10th in 1983, finished 12th in tonight's final with a best throw of 51.15 meters/167 feet 9 inches.

Demus, Williams move on to 400m hurdles final

2005 World Outdoor silver medalist and current world leader (52.63, July 28) Lashinda Demus wasted no time in grabbing control of the third semi final of the women's 400m hurdles. Demus led very shortly after the gun and was in command the entire way in winning the race easily in 54.25 seconds. She'll next take to the track for the final on Thursday night.

Also securing a spot in the final was 2008 Olympic Trials champion Tiffany Williams (Orlando, Fla.), who ran out of lane 5 in heat 2, and finished third in 53.28 seconds. 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist and 2007 Pan Am Games champion Sheena Tosta (Chula Vista, Calif.) ran in lane eight in the first semi final and finished sixth in 56.31.

200m trio advances to semifinals

Team USA's men's 200m threesome all advanced through to the semi finals with little difficulty led by 2004 Olympic gold medalist and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles, Calif.). Crawford got out well and appeared in great form in heat 2. He grabbed the lead early out of lane 3 and held it the rest of the way in cruising to the win in 20.37.

2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist and 2007 World bronze medalist Wallace Spearmon (College Station, Tex.) got out in his usual fashion and made up enough ground over the last 60 meters to secure a second-place finish in 20.44.

2009 NCAA Outdoor champion and runner-up at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Va.) finished fourth in the first heat in 20.55 out of lane 8. Clark advanced to the semis on time. Next up will be the semifinals Wednesday night at Olympic Stadium.

Harper, Cherry, Powell advance in 100m hurdles

A talented and accomplished quartet of Team USA 100m hurdlers hit the track early this evening for their first round of competition. First to answer the gun was reigning Olympic and U.S. champion Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.), who broke well at the start in heat 1 and held the lead throughout in winning in 12.70 seconds. Her performance was the third-fastest of the round.

Next up in heat 2 was 2008 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), who was in third place at the fourth hurdle, and in first place as she soared over the eighth hurdle. Cherry went on to win easily in 12.71 seconds, with Lacena Golding-Clarke of Jamaica the runner-up in 12.90.

Michelle Perry (Santa Clarita, Calif.) stepped into the blocks in heat 3 as the two-time defending world champion in this event. However, things did not go well for Perry and she finished seventh in 13.68 seconds. Perry injured her right knee (lateral collateral ligament) while warming up at the Herculis Super Grand Prix in Monaco on July 28. Perry's knee was wrapped in white tape and she was limping after crossing the finish line.

Two-time USA Outdoor champion Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles, Calif.) got out well in heat 4 and wound up finishing as the runner-up in 12.77. Harper, Cherry and Powell now look forward to tomorrow night's semifinals.

Team USA Medal Table - 2009 World Championships in Athletics

Gold (3)

Christian Cantwell (Columbia, Mo.), men's shot put, 22.03m/72-3.50

Sanya Richards (Austin, Tex.), women's 400m, 49.00

Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Fla.) men's 400m hurdles, 47.91

Silver (2)

Tyson Gay (Clermont, Fla.), men's 100 meters, 19.71

Chelsea Johnson (Los Angeles, Calif.), women's pole vault 4.65m/15-3

Bronze (2)

Carmelita Jeter (Inglewood, Calif.) women's 100 meters, 10.90

Bershawn Jackson (Savoy, Ill.) men's 400m hurdles, 48.23

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

100m World Record Shattered, AGAIN!

2009-08-17T11:51:00.005-04:00

Velocity Sunbird Athletics Fan Page on Facebook.

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world once again proved to the world he is the real thing. He set a new world record in the 100m at the World Championships in Berlin by shattering his own World Record set last year at the Olympics in Beijing. The new world record is 9.58

Tyson Gay has the new American Record at 9.71 and finished the race in second place. Tyson ran a great race.

Here is a link to the video:
http://www.universalsports.com/mediaPlayer/media.dbml?id=639683&db_oem_id=23000

I personally like to see people like Usain Bolt run because according to conventional wisdom of Track and Field someone who is 6' 5" is to tall to be an effective 100m sprinter, and Usain throws that thinking right out the window. I love unconventional. Although being a loyal American I would have hoped that Tyson would have won for the honor of country, bragging rights and all that good stuff. It was a great race and that is the type of outcome we always hope to see when we watch the best in the world race.

What will be interesting to see is how much lower can the 100m time go?

Check here for an Biomechanical Analysis of the 100m race it is interesting.

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2009/08/analysis-of-bolts-958-wr.html

We still have more racing to watch at the World Championships but yesterday was a great to watch and one of the reasons I love track and field.

IAAF Adopts "No False Start" Rule

2009-08-13T11:52:00.006-04:00

They say everything flows downhill so I wonder how long it will be before this rule filters down into the Amateur ranks and into the high school and club programs. For now this will not have much of an impact on Velocity Sunbird Athletics or USATF Youth, Open and Masters programs but keep your ears and eyes open it is probably coming at some point.

I do not know the background behind the International Association of Athletes Federation or the IAAF for short, has made the decision to go with this new rule, I don't know if there have been abuses of the current rule at the professional level and IAAF decided to eliminate the false start rule altogether but it will force professional athletes to change their mind set and come prepared to put forth their best performance every time the step onto the track or be eliminated from that race. At the professional level it is almost impossible to false start with all the gadgets used to monitor professional athletes in a race. A false start does tend to put the other competitors on edge and throw off their concentration.

The NCAA has had this rule for a while and I guess the international scene has decided what is best for the best collegiate sports program in the world, and the program that many of the World's best athletes are trained in is good enough to have at an international level.

Time will tell just like it has with instant replay call in the NFL whether or not it was a good idea.

Here is how it was reported by USATF.org:
08-12-2009

Contact:
Jill Geer
Chief Public Affairs Officer
USA Track & Field
317-713-4663

BERLIN - The IAAF Congress on Wednesday approved a new rule that will disqualify athletes the first time they false start in any given race. The rule will take effect January 1, 2010.

The rule will replace the current false-start policy of the first false-start being charged to the entire field, with only subsequent false-starts resulting in disqualification. Implementation is set for 2010 in order to enable athletes to become accustomed to the rule well ahead of the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Speaking in support of the rule change, IAAF President Lamine Diack pointed to the NCAA's longstanding no false start rule as evidence that such a rule is practical and enforceable. He stated his belief that "the current rule gives sprinters the chance to play the system," he said, "to deliberately false start but not be punished for it."

The rule change was approved by a vote of 97 to 55, with six abstentions. The IAAF Congress on Wednesday also approved defining masters as age 40 and over for long-distance running and road racing.

The IAAF Congress is being held in Berlin prior to the start of the 12th IAAF World Outdoor Championships, which begin Saturday and conclude August 23.

For more information on the World Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org

Velocity Sunbird Athletics on Facebook

Velocity Sunbirds on Facebook

2009-08-04T08:11:00.004-04:00

Velocity Sunbird Athletics Fan Page on Facebook.

Facebook was chosen because of its easy access to updating information and allow for a space for fans of Velocity to gather and know what is up in the small but growing presences of Velocity Sunbird Athletics and the world of Track and Field.

We are easy to find on facebook just type in Velocity Sunbird Athletics and then click on become a fan or just click on the link above.

In Track and Field news:

The 10th Pan American Junior Championships concludes in Trinidad
Share
Sun, Aug 02, 2009 at 10:56 PM EST

By Jim Spier
Photos by Joy Kamani (more photos posted in NSSF Gallery)
Video Interview by Paul Limmer

Evening Session Field Events

Men’s Triple Jump

Favorite Will Claye (Oklahoma, Mountain Pointe, Phoenix, AZ ’08) sewed up the victory early, jumping 54-4.5 [0.7] in round 1, ultimately good enough to win. Albert Johnson (Manhattan, Corning, NY ’08) was second after round 1, jumping 51-7 (1.1), improving to 51-11 (0.8) in round 2 to solidify the silver medal. In the final round, Jean Rosa of Brazil moved into second with a jump of 52-7.25 (1.9). Now in third, Johnson improved his mark to 52-1.75 (2.1) ,but that was not quite good enough for the silver, and settled for the bronze.

Women’s Long Jump

A good battle here between Alitta Boyd (Moreau, Hayward, CA) and Christabel Nettey of Canada. Both jumped 18-11.75 in round 1. Both improved in round 2, with Boyd having the slight edge over Nettey, 19-6 to 19-4.75. Round 4 again saw both improve, with Boyd still the leader, jumping 19-9.5 to Nettey’s 19-6.25. More improvement for both in round 5, but no change of position, with Boyd up to 19-11.75 and Nettey to 19-10.25. There was no improvement in the final round, so Boyd got the gold and Nettey the silver. Lauryn Newson (Laney College, Pinole Valley, Pinole, CA ’08) was a close third at 19-7.5

Men’s Shot Put
Mason Finley (Buena Vista, CO) opened with 61-8.5 and Jordan Clarke (Arizona State, Bartlett, Anchorage, AK ’08) fouled. Finley improved to 66-3.25 in round 2, with Clarke getting a legal throw then, throwing 63-7.75. Another improvement in rounds 3 and 4 for Finley, throwing 66-8.5 and 66-9.75, the ultimate winner. Clarke threw 65-0.5 in round 3, then improved to 65-6.25 in round 5, the second place throw. Tim Nedow of Canada edged Robert Collingwood of Trinidad for the bronze, 62-4 to 62-3.75.

Girls’s Javelin

Maria Lucelley Murillo of Colombia threw far enough to win in Round 2 (158-7), but got her ultimate winning toss in the final round, throwing 169-10. Rafaela Goncalves of Brazil was second in 155-9. Both will be eligible for the World Junior Championships next year. Goncalves’ teammate, Jucilene Lima, was third at 154-6. The Americans, Casey Wagner (South Florida, Tamaqua, FL ’08) and Courtney Kirkwood (Washington State, Othello, WA ’08) did not fare all that well. Wagner finished fifth with 142-2 and Kirkwood seventh with 136-7.

Men’s High Jump

Derek Drovin of Canada, Erik Kynard of the US (Rogers, Toledo, OH) and Edgar Rivera of Mexico were equal through 6-10.75, all with no misses. Drovin cleared 7-0.5 on his first attempt, and both Kynard and Rivera went out at that height, finishing in a tie for second. Drovin had a great meet, making 7-1.75 on his first attempt, and both 7-3.75 and 7-5.25 on his second attempts, the latter equaling Javier Sotomayor’s (Cuba) 1986 meet record. Drovin had the bar moved to 7-6.5 but did not have a decent attempt. Ricky Robertson (Hernando, MS) finished fourth in 6-10.75, the same height as Kynard and Rivera, but losing the medal on more misses.

Team USA sweeps 4x400 relays, wins 56 total medals at Pan Am Junior Champs

TEAM USA

Contact:
Vicky Oddi
Communications Coordinator
USA Track & Field
317-713-4670

PORT OF SPAIN - Team USA concluded competition Sunday night, winning a record 56 out of a possible 84 total medals and sweeping the relays at the 2009 Pan Am Junior Championships at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

It was a battle between Team USA and Jamaica in the women's 4x400m, with lead-off leg Alishea Usery (St. Louis, Mos.) taking the early lead and handing off to Angele Cooper (Long Beach, Calif.). It was an even exchange when Cooper handed off to Kellie Schueler (Bend, Ore.), who battled Jamaica's Danielle Dowie the entire way. Some shoving on turn four caused Schueler to step inside the rail before returning to the track and surging down the final 100m. She passed to Diamond Richardson (Desoto, Texas) who held on to and extended Team USA's lead, finishing in 3:36.34. Team USA was originally disqualified for a pushing violation, but the win was reinstated upon appeal.

The men's 4x400m was just as exciting, as Team USA was initially in second place when the first and second legs, Clayton Parros (West Orange, N.J.) and Duane Walker (Compton, Calif.), faced 2007 World Youth and Pan Am Junior champion Kirani James and Rondell Bartholomew of Grenada, who built up a 25 meter lead. But the third leg made all the difference and within 200m, Joey Hughes (Long Beach, Calif.) had passed Grenada and built up his own lead. With an unofficial anchor split of 44.9, Pan Am Junior 400m silver medalist Tavaris Tate (Starkville, Miss.) brought Team USA home in 3:03.25 to win the gold medal.

The 2007 World Youth gold and silver medalists in the men's 400m hurdles, William Wynne (Gainesville, Fla.) and Reggie Wyatt (Riverside, Calif.), brought home two medals tonight. The 2007 USATF Youth Athlete of the Year, Wynne broke his own Championship record, set yesterday in qualifying in the men's 400m hurdles, winning the gold medal in a world junior-leading 49.31. Wyatt claimed the bronze in 50.61. On the women's side, current world junior leader Dalilah Muhammed (Bayside, N.Y.) finished as the silver medalist in 58.42 and Turquoise Thompson (San Diego, Calif.) was fourth in 59.08.

The silver medalist in the women's triple jump, Alitta Boyd (Hayward, Calif.) won the women's long jump with a leap of 6.08m/19-11.5 into a -1.9mps headwind. Lauryn Newson (Oakland, Calif.) took the bronze medal with a best effort of 5.98m/19-7.5. Eric Kynard (Toledo, Ohio) cleared 2.10m/6-10.75 to tie for the silver medal in the men's high jump with Mexico's Edgar Rivera. Ricky Robertson (Hernando, Miss.) finished fourth at the same height.

After two days of competition in grueling heat and humidity and four individual event wins, Ryann Kraiss (Eagleville, Pa.) won the silver medal in the women's heptathlon with 5,454 points. Her wins came in the 100m hurdles (13.93), high jump (1.76m/5-9.25), long jump (5.68m/18-7.75) and the 800m (2:18.56). Rebecca Neville (Merrillville, Ind.) finished in sixth with 4,627 points.

Team USA's men followed in their predecessor's footsteps, going 1-2 in the men's shot put. The gold medalist in the discus, Mason Finley (Buena Vista, Colo.) set a Championship record with his heave of 20.36m/66-9.75. Jordan Clarke (Anchorage, Alaska) was the runner-up with 19.97m/65-6.25. The previous record of 19.95m/65-5.5 was set by Garrett Johnson in 2003.

American Junior record holder William Claye (Phoenix, Az.) won the men's triple jump with a hop, skip and leap of 16.57m/54-4.5. Albert Johnson (Riverdale, N.Y.) took third with 15.89m/52-1.75w to bring home the bronze medal.

In the men's 5,000m, Sean Keveren (Brentwood, Tenn.) claimed the silver medal in 14:14.46 and Colby Lowe (Southlake, Texas) the bronze in 14:14.57. Elizabeth Hynes (St. Charles, Ill.) ran a strong race in the women's 3,000m, crossing the line in 10:04.92 to win the bronze medal. Emily Sisson (St. Louis, Mo.) finished fourth in 10:17.15. In the women's 3,000m steeplechase, Natalie Busby (New Paltz, N.Y.) was fourth in 11:02.30 and Allysa Allison (Festus, Mo.) was fifth in 11:20.98.

In the women's 800m final, Chanelle Price (Easton, Pa.) took the pace out from the gun, running with a five meter lead from the start. But Cuba's Rose Marie Blanco started gaining ground on Price in the second half and with 100m to go, passed Price and continued on for the win in 2:03.83. It was then a battle for silver as Canada's Helen Croft powered down the final straight, but Price edged her out to finish second in 2:05.13 to Croft's 2:05.19. Laura Roesler (Fargo, N.D.) finished sixth in 2:07.50. Joseph Abbott (Reno, Nev.) surged down the final straight in men's 800m to win the bronze medal in 1:48.99 and Dylan Ferris (San Francisco, Calif.) finished fifth in 1:49.84.

On his last throw of the competition, Justin Welch (Pemberville, Ohio) launched the hammer a personal best 68.22m/223-10 to move into third place and claim the bronze medal. Tyler Johnson (Las Vegas, Nev.) finished fifth with a personal best 63.34m/207-10. Casey Wagner (Woodside, Calif.) finished fifth in the women's javelin with a mark of 43.35m/142-2 and Courtney Kirkwood (Othello, Wash.) was seventh with 41.64m/136-7.

For more information on Team USA at the 2009 Pan Am Junior Championships, visit www.usatf.org. For results, visit www.cfpitiming.com.

Shoes make the athelte

2009-07-23T22:26:00.007-04:00

As the summer season winds down this is a good time to reflect and prepare for Velocity Sunbird Athletics first indoor season and to make the necessary preparations to compete and win so my thoughts turn to shoes.

The first consideration should always be the shoes. The say that shoes make the man well most certainly the do help the athlete to perform. So here is a guide to review how to choose proper training footwear.

The training shoes are most important since an athlete will be spending a great deal of time before they ever get to a race running in their trainers. So providing your feet with shoes that will be supportive is very important.

For a more detailed understanding of the best type of running shoes depending on your foot I would refer you to http://running.about.com/od/shoesapparelandgear/a/foottypes.htm

It is enough to say if you have flat feet, which means that you can see most of your footprint you are probably an overpronator and your foot rolls to the inside as you run. When you are looking for running shoes look for words like stability and motion control in purchasing running shoes.

If you have high arches which means that you do not see all of your footprint you probably supinate or underpronate. Which means your feet tend to roll to the outside as you run. When looking for shoes to purchase words like flexible or cushioned would describe your type of shoe. Your shoes should also have a flexible mid-sole that can absorb shock.

If your feet fit into neither of these categories then you have a neutral or normal foot which means there are a large variety of shoes to choose from for your next purchase of running shoes.

Opinions on shoes are like religion and politics everone has one. As long as they are a well know brand and are constructed properly they should make a good training shoe.

I hope this information is useful and good hunting.

Information about choosing shoes can also be found in the Velocity Sunbird Athletics handbook at:
http://www.eteamz.com/VelocitySunbird/handouts/

We the People....4th of July 2009

2009-07-04T12:18:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Coach Sean's Corner

2009-07-03T10:45:00.002-04:00

Where the Eagles get their wears

Hello everyone and welcome to my little corner of the bloggers world.

I created this Blog to keep everyone interested up to speed on what I am doing with my track club and athletes in track and field and also to help me keep a journal on what I am currently doing in the sport of track and field.

I hope you find this entertaining, informative and enlightening.

I am currently coaching track and field as a club coach with Rate of Motion Elite and a volunteer assistant high school coach with South Gwinnett High School.

You can look up all the stats on our athlests at Rate of Motion on Milesplit.com

We are currently in the midst of the summer outdoor season of track and field and as I writie this post we have 2 athletes in Michigan at the USATF Youth Championships. Donye Coleman and Quandra Shanks are competing in the 400,800 and 1500m. Yesterday Donye and Quandra finished 10th and 11th overall in the 800 and more updates will be coming as they are made avaliable.

Next weekend we have 3 athletes who will be competing in the USATF Jr. Olympics Region 3 meet which is the next qualifier for the USATF Jr. Olympics in Greensboro, NC. Kevin Gary in the 400, Mark Watts in the 800 and Aliyah Abrams in the 200 and 400. We will be in Washington D.C. for this event and there will be several update post on how they do.

We have a couple of new member of Rate of Motion Elite who did PRs at the USATF Association Meet. Bryant Crenshaw and Sloane Mattadeen. Sloane ran the 400 hurdles on Saturday July 13, and ran 1:04.39. He qualified for the finals on Sunday and ran a 1:00.33. He dropped 4 seconds off his time from the previous day and missed qualifying for the Region meet by 1ooth of second. Putting him in 7th place overall, it was also on his second time running the event. Although he isn't running at Region he is going to come with the team members going to D.C. because of his outstanding performance at the Association Meet. Bryant did the long jump at the Association meet and did a PR of 19.85 feet. Wasn't enough to make the finals or qualify for Region but it was a personal best and he placed 13th overall, it was a great effort on his part.

Thats all for now.

Where the Eagles get there wears!