February 11, 2024

USATF Club Sunday Spotlight Texas Select Track Club

1. What is your club’s official name?

2. Where is your club based (where do you practice)?

3. When was your club established?

4. What is your coaching background?

Since 2009, I have had the privilege of coaching various sports, including soccer, football, basketball, and flag football. My journey in youth track coaching began in 2015 when I started with Central Texas Elite, where I spent two seasons. Following that, I transitioned to the Austin Striders, a club where I previously competed as a young athlete. In 2022, I joined Texas Select, working alongside Coach Kyle Evans.

5. What is your athletic background?

From 8th to 12th grade, I competed in sprints for the Austin Striders through AAU Track, earning multiple All-American honors. I graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1995, securing 3rd place in the 5A 200m dash and contributing to our 5A State championship track team. Post-high school, I received a track scholarship at Baylor University, where I focused on sprints and relays. In 1996, I played a role in winning the Southwest Conference Indoor Championship. After spending two rewarding seasons at Baylor, I transferred to the University of Texas at Arlington, continuing my athletic career in sprints and participating in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

6. How many coaches do you have on your staff?

7. What is your coaching philosophy?

Our coaching philosophy is centered around a 3-way partnership among the athlete, the coach, and the parents. This collaboration is crucial for setting immediate and future goals, devising practical strategies, and maintaining open lines of communication about the athlete's development. While early achievements are encouraging, our focus is predominantly on long-term success. To this end, we offer training that is not only age-appropriate and engaging but also designed to challenge the athletes and facilitate their learning.

8. On a scale of 1-10, how competitive is your program?

My coaching journey has taught me the multifaceted nature of Track & Field. As an organization, Texas Select has established a strong Association and Regional presence in events such as relays, middle distances, jumps, hurdles, and sprints. Nationally, our athletes have distinguished themselves by achieving All-American honors in each of these categories.

9. What is the age range of the athletes you coach?

10. How many athletes are part of your program?

11. Who has been the most successful athlete from your program?

12. What is your proudest coaching moment in your career?

It's a challenging question indeed. While victories are rewarding, my true motivation comes from witnessing the personal growth and development of athletes—their resilience, passion for the sport, and their journey of learning. One memorable experience involves coaching a young girl since third grade, who initially favored short sprints like the 100m and 200m. Facing early setbacks in these events was disheartening for her. Collaborating with our middle-distance coach, Kyle Evans, we devised a strategy for her gradual move to middle-distance races. This transition was not without its hurdles, but through the unwavering support of her dedicated parents and her own perseverance, we witnessed a remarkable achievement. Certainly, one highlight of my coaching career thus far was seeing her earn All-American status by finishing 7th in the 800m for 12-year-olds with an impressive time of 2:23.62, a testament to our collective effort as a coaching team to support her growth and success.

13. Do you coach all track and field or long distance running events? If not, which ones do you not coach?

14. Why did you become a coach?

My wife and I are fortunate to have three sons who are not only intelligent and lively but also athletically inclined. As with many coaches, my journey into coaching began quite naturally as I found myself on the sidelines, observing them participate in various sports. This transition was fueled by a desire to contribute positively and impart my expertise. This initial step led to the formation of incredible mentorships within the youth sports community, enhancing my coaching skills. I've also expanded my knowledge through formal education, such as the USATF Coaching Education program, which in turn has deepened my appreciation and passion for this wonderful sport.

15. Which sports/disciplines do you coach?

a. Cross Country √
b. Indoors √
c. Outdoors √