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2019 Speakers & Presentations

Dwight Phillips, US/Olympic/World LJ Champion

Dwight is one of the most decorated athletes in Georgia HS, U.S. Olympic and World Championship history.  An example of hardwork, determination and perseverance, he embodies the work ethic and character traits and continues to give back to the track & field community by speaking and training young athletes.

  • U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (2004 Athens)
  • U.S. Olympic Teams (2000 Sydney/2004 Athens)
  • 4-Time World Champion
  • Tied for #5 All-Time in the World in Long Jump (28-8"/8.74m)
  • 5-Time U.S. Outdoor Champion
  • 2018 USATF National Hall of Fame
  • 8-Time All-American (Arizona State)
  • 4-Time state Champion (Tucker HS, GA)
  • GATFXCCA Hall of Fame (Class of 2014)

Personal Site Bio
USA Track & Field Bio


Scott Christensen, Stillwater Area HS (Minnesota)

Scott is a proven expert in training for the cross country and track & field middle and distance runners.

  • 1997 High School National Championship
  • 13 Minnesota Team State Championships
  • 27 Individual Minnesota State Championships
  • 2003 USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist School JR Team Leader for the World Cross CountryTeam
  • 2008 SR Team Leader for the World Cross Country Team
  • USATF Level II Endurance lead unstructor

 

 


Wayne Clark, MF-Athletics

Wayne has successfully coached, presented and helped build the Ohio Association of Track & Cross Country Coaches Clinic (1500 coaches annually) as the clinic director for the past 26 years into the premiere high school clinic nationwide.

  • 30 year high school head coach in Ohio- 23 at Zanesville HS
  • Ohio Track Coaches Hall of Fame
  • Guest speaker in 21 states
  • Past 19 years with M-F Athletic as Midwest Sales Manager

Dr. Josh Glass, Georgia Sports Chiropractic

Dr. Glass is the owner of Georgia Sports Chiropractic and a sports medicine leader in Georgia with extensive experience in Youth/HS Cross Country/ Track & Field athletes.

•USA Track & Field National Team Chiropractor since 2009,  8+ World Championships and the London and Rio Olympic Games.

•UGA  and Georgia Tech Track and Field Team Chiropractor, Georgia State and Emory Athletics Team Chiropractor

•USA Track & Field Elite Athlete Medical Liaison

•Varsity letterman XC/Track University of Georgia '96

•Varsity letterman XC/Track Wheeler HS '91


Gabor Mate, Auburn Tigers/3 x Hungarian Olympian

Coach Mate brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our 2019 clinic as both a thrower and coach of throwers at all levels in the Mobile, Alabama area since 2008.  After speaking/holding clinics in the south including Louisiana, Tennessee and Florida, we are excited about his technical session on throws as well as a session he we conduct where YOU can submit video of your throwers to be critiqued and discussed!

•3x Olympian  Discus (Hungary)

•Former NCAA Discus Record Holder (218-5)

•2x NCAA Discus Champion

•5x SEC Champion (Shot  & discus)

•3x Discus NCAA All-American

•Coached Paralympic National Record Holder in Shot, Discus and Javelin

•Coached The first World Junior medalist (Silver) in the Javelin throw from the USA (242')

•Over 24 state HS State Champions in the Throws in AL

•Ambassador of VS-Athletics at clinics nationwide

 


Luke Syverson, Berry College Head Track & Field

Coach Syverson, the GHSA State Meet Director/Host for 1A-Private/1A-Public/7A since the combining of classifications, brings a wealth of knowledge. 

As a former athlete for Washington State in the LJ/TJ, Luke's extensive knowledge and commitment to coaches education for himself and programs he has been involved with at the high school & college level have paid off in huge dividends.

•USATF Level II Sprints/Hurdles/Relays & Officials

•USTFCCCA Technical Certification (Throws)/Head Collegiate Coach  Certification/Javelin Master’s Endorsement

•20+ years coaching at the HS, NAIA, NCAA  D1 & D3

•Started HS program from scratch that went on to win five WIAA (Washington) T&F State Championships within first six years of being started.

•First HS program in state of WA to sweep both boys & girls State Titles

•Only HS program to sweep State Titles in back to back years in any classification in state of WA

•Current and former athletes have competed in the NCAA’s, USATF Outdoor, and USATF Jr Outdoor championships in the Javelin, WT, TJ, HJ, 100m, 200m, 1500m, 3000SC, and 5000m


Mark Strawderman, MF-Athletics

Mark, the general manager of our exclusive equipment sponsor, brings a wealth of knowledge not only as former vaulter, but as a veteran clinician.

He has been an instructor in the famous Bill Falk Pole Vault School for 45 years, and is an instructor for the National Pole Vault Coaches Association.

  • 3-time All State Pole Vaulter Chariho High School class of 1978
  • Rhode Island State Record Holder 19 yrs.
  • 4-time New England Champion
  • 4-time IC4A Champion
  • 2-time Penn Relays Champion
  • 2-time  Olympic Trials Qualifier
  • 3-time Div. I All American Pole Vaulter
  • University of Rhode Island Record Holder (Indoor & Outdoor)
  • Personal Best 18’1/2”
  • Bachelor Degree P.E. & Health with Coaches Emphasis


Jeff Jenkins, Piedmont College Head TFXC

BIO courtesy of Piedmont Athletics

Jeff Jenkins enters his fifth season at the helm as Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach in 2018 with three USA South cross country championships with the Lions and Lady Lions. Jenkins, a former 3-time conference champion himself as a runner at fellow USA South member Huntingdon College, helped the Lions sweep the meet on their home course in 2016.  

In four seasons so far as the leader of Piedmont’s cross country programs, Jenkins has already led both teams to championships including the men winning back-to-back titles in 2015 & 2016. The championship in 2015 marked the first men's title for any Piedmont athletic team since joining the USA South while the women's title in 2016 was their first since joining the league. Jenkins also mentored the 2016 USA South women's cross country individual champion Reese Bowles marking the first individual champion for Piedmont since joining the USA South. 
 
Bowles' individual championship also earned her USA South Runner of the Year while freshman Casey Todd finished fourth overall taking USA South Rookie of the Year honors, another pair of firsts for the program in the USA South and under Jenkins' leadership. The women claimed six all-conference spots in 2016 winning the meet in dominant fashion by 43 points over Meredith College. The men's team took half of the all-conference spots with seven of the 14 first and second team all-conference athletes. 

For his team's efforts, Jenkins was named USA South Coach of the Year for both Men's and Women's Cross Country in 2016, adding to his USA South Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year honor in 2015. During his four years at the helm, he has mentored 36 all-conference finishers. 
 
The Piedmont College track and field programs began to take shape under Jenkins' leadership when he came to Piedmont with seven USTFCCCA All-region outdoor selections and a pair of indoor All-region award winners. The Lions also won the Atlantic Independent Championship in 2018 while the women placed second in the championship. 

Jenkins came to Piedmont after a two-year stint with Troy University in Alabama where he served as the Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach for the Division I program.  Jenkins guided 11 student-athletes to top-10 all-time marks in the program’s history including a number two mark in both the women’s indoor 5000m and 3000m. Jenkins also mentored the school’s record holder in the women’s 3000m steeplechase (10:51.18) when Julia Ostendorf placed 5th at the 2014 Sun Belt Conference Championship.

Prior to joining the Trojans, Jenkins spent his time as a coaching intern at Auburn University and spent the summers from 2008-2010 working as an assistant coach with the Auburn Track Club cross country team helping his teams to USATF Junior Olympic Regional championships and also National Team Qualifiers.
 
Jenkins himself ran his collegiate days at fellow USA South member Huntingdon College where he was named an All-Conference selection in each of the four years he suited up for the program. He helped his squad to three Great South Athletic Conference Championships in his four years, and is the only cross country athlete in Huntingdon history to be part of three title-winning teams. He also saw individual success taking the GSAC Runner of the Year honor in 2011 after earning the individual championship with a time of 28:57.69 on the 8K course. 

Jenkins is certified through USA Track & Field as a Level III coach in endurance events and was recognized with a diploma from the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Academy and Indiana University as an Elite Endurance Coach.


Jack Coleman, Marietta XC Head Coach

One of the foremost distance coaches in our state, Jack Coleman has been at MHS for the past 19 years as the Cross Country coach and distance coach for track and field.  Coach Coleman believes consistent training is the key to success in distance running.  In the past decade the Boys & Girls Cross Country teams have enjoyed success at the county, region, state & national levels including:  

  • 2014 GHSA 6A Boys State XC Champions
  • 2015 GHSA 6A Boys State XC Champions
  • 2015 1st Place Nike Southeast Championships
  • 2015 15th Nike Cross Nationals
  • 2017 GHSA 7A Girls State XC Champions
  • 2018 GHSA 7A Girls State XC Champions
  • Nike Cross Nationals Individual Qualifiers
    • Hayden Tullos
    • Ellie Hall

Nick Houstoulakis, Marietta HS Head T&F Coach

One of the most brilliant young minds in Georgia high school track & field, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with 14 years of head coaching experience (19 overall).  

Coach Houstoulakis serves as the Mentor Program Chair for the GATFXCCA.

  • USATF Level 2 Certifications
    •  Sprint, Relays & Hurdle 
    • Endurance
  • USTFCCCA T&F Technical Course Certified
  • 2-time Cobb County Coach of the Year
  • 2018 NFHS GA Girls Coach of the Year
  • 2016 Glazier T&F Clinic Speaker (Atlanta)
  • 11 Region Championships
  • 8 Individual State Champions (Sprints, Distance & Throws)
     
  • 2018 GHSA Girls State Champions (7AAAAAAA)

Greg French MS, RDN, LD, CPT

Registered / Licensed Dietitian & Nutritionist
(Sports Nutrition and Performance Coach)

With 20 years of experience in the health, sports and fitness industry, Greg has worked with athletes of all ages from youth to professional and various sporting disciplines. Specializing in sports nutrition, strength, conditioning, speed and agility training, wellness and weight loss, Greg has a passion for helping athletes both youth and adult live a healthy lifestyle, as well as reach their performance goals and is committed to teaching the importance of proper fit, form and function in all areas of sports and nutrition. 

  • Content expert for STACK Media in nutrition and sports training
  • Contributing author on multiple fitness books
  • Sports Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Member of numerous other advisory committees regarding nutrition
  • Georgia Southern Honors Graduate/Who's Who in American Colleges/Universities
  • Dietetic internship at Emory University
  • Strength & Conditioning Certification from University of Florida
  • Master's in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama

Greg can be reached for consultation at his personal cell at:

404-414-8642


Philip Hoskins, McEachern HS Co-Head T&F

One of the most consistent jumps coaches in the state, Hoskins brings a wealth of experience, knowledge & proven success to track & field.  Some of his notable accomplishments in his 20 year track coaching career (30 overall) are:

  • 3 former athletes competing professionally (including football)
  • Coached Kristi Castlin during his stint at Chapel Hill, our Hall of Fame inductee Olympic Bronze Hurdler in 2016 Rio Games
  • Multiple team region championships--multiple schools
  • Multiple team/individual state championships--multiple schools
  • 2018 GATFXCCA Girls Horizontal Jumps Coach of the Year

Cedric Sapp, McEachern HS Co-Head T&F

When you think of elite sprint coaches in Georgia, Cedric Sapp's name has to be in the conversation. During his 14 years of coaching experience (Wheeler, Campbell & McEachern since 2010), Sapp has established himself as one of the prominent sprint experts in Georgia HS and club and has created a tremendous resume including some of the highlights below:

  • USATF Level II Certification: Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
  • 3-time Cobb County Coach of the Year
  • 17 different state championships mult-events
  • 2016 7A Girls Track & Field State Champions
  • AAU/USATF National Champions Multi-Events
    (400m/200m/200H/400H/4x100m/4x400m)

 


Matt Henson, Parkview Director of Track & Field

Inheriting the first Gwinnett County boys team state championship program in 2009, Coach Henson has built Parkview into a competitive program known most recently for its relays and sprinters who train on a 400m model.  After finishing runners-up in 2017 at state, the Panther program went on a tear through New Balance Nationals all the way into the USATF Junior Olympic in 2018.  Some of the highlights from the last two sprint seasons are:

  • 27 NSAF All-Americans
  • 2 USATF All-Americans
  • 3 USATF Junior Olympians
  • 4 National Relay Championships
    • 2018 Swedish Medley (back to back; only 1 runner returned)
    • 2017 Swedish Medley (NATIONAL RECORD)
    • 2017 4x100m Relay
    • 2017 4x200m Relay
  • 2018 7A Men's State Track & Field Champions
    • 400m State Champion (7A state record; #4 GA All-Time)
    • 400m 4th place
    • 200m State Champion
    • 4x100m Relay State Champions (back to back with 3 new runners)
    • 4x400m Relay Runners-Up (with 2 returning runners)
  • 2017 7A Men's State Track & Field Runners-Up
  • 2017 800m Medley National Runners-Up
  • 2017 qualified 2 in the 400m, 2 in the 200m, 1 in the 100m

Juggling many hats, Coach Henson established the Parkview Express Track Club four seasons ago for his area youth schools, and currently serves as our president with the GATFXCCA advocating coaches education and progressive improvement for track & cross country in our state.

2015-18 Highlights (Shift in training theory)


Patrick Parsons, Allatoona HS Head TFXC

Coach Parsons came to Allatoona High School in 2014 with a desire to improve upon the early success of the program.  Having ran at Campbell University under Ken Frenette, who is now at Memphis, Coach Parsons found a path to follow into coaching the greatest sport on the planet.  He began his career at Overhills High School in Spring Lake, NC and took an assistant coaching job at Newton High School in Covington, GA.  During his time under Cortez Allen he began to understand what it meant to make a program athlete-centered.  Given the opportunity to head Allatoona's program, Coach Parsons and his staff have led the rise of Allatoona's program to be respected throughout the state.  In five years, Allatoona's Boys program has gone from finishing Top 10 in the State Track meet in 2015, to a third place finish in 2016, and has gone Back to Back State Champions in 2017 & 2018.  As well as having individual State Champions, Courtney Long-UGA (2x Pole Vault '17, '18), Jacob Smith-UK (2x 200m '17 & '18 & 100m '18), and a Boys 4x400m Relay team in 2018.  Every single State Qualifier has left the State meet with a podium finish since Coach Parsons and his staff have taken over the program.

  • USATF Level I Certified
  • VDOT Distance Certified
  • GATFCCCA AAAAAA Track Coach Representative

Coach Parsons serves as the 6A representative for both cross country and track & field, as well as on the Research & Data for the GATFXCCA.


O'Neisha Smith, Chapel Hill HS

Versatile two-sport standout in basketball and track and field at Chapel Hill (Ga.) High … Individual 2010 Class 5A State Champion in the high jump as a senior, jumping 5'8" ... 2009 Class 5A State Runner-Up in the high jump, clearing 5-foot-6 … School-record holder in the high jump (5'8") … Three-time All-County and two-time All-Regional selection in basketball. Lettered three times in basketball and all four in track and field … Three-time All-County selection in track and field.  

Attended Lipscomb University on basketball scholarship and high jumped for the collegiate track team at Lipscomb. Won A-Sun Conference high jump collegiate title freshman year. After graduating from Lipscomb, came back to CHHS in 2016 to coach track & field high jump and JV girls basketball.

Allen Rossum, Atlanta Zoom (NFL All-Pro Alumni)

One of the biggest hearts in the sport, Allen Rossum continues to give back to track & field and is entering the 3rd season of an unprecedented run with ATL Zoom Athletics.  A former sprinter himself, Rossum has helped enhance numerous kids from a variety of HS programs including their training models, recruiting, strength and public service with his staff. and brought them into the summer spotlight.  Some of his achievements are:

  • Founder & Head Coach of the Atl-Zoom Track Club
  • Numerous State/National HS & Club championships/accolades
  • 2018 GATFXCCA Club Coach of the Year
  • NFL Career (12 Seasons)
    • 4 time team MVP
    • 5 time team captain
    • #2 All-Time Kickoff Return Yards (11,947 yds)
    • #2 All-Time Kick Returns (514)
    • #2 All-Time Combined Kick & Punt Returns/Yards
    • All-Pro Returner
    • NFL's Fastest Man 2005
    • NFL's Father of the Year 2005
    • NFL's List of All-Purpose Yards Leaders
    • NFL's List of All-Time Career Punt Return Leaders
    • Atlanta Falcons' All-Time Career Punt Return Yards Leader
    • Atlanta Falcons' All-Time Career Kickoff Return Yards Leader
  • Completed Wharton School of Business & Kellogg School of Management while in the NFL
  • Notre Dame
    • double major (business and computer science) completed in 3 1/2 years
    • Football team captain (1997, SR)
    • 2 time Indoor NCAA All-American 55m Dash
  • Dallas Skyline HS (Texas)
    • Former HS 100m Record Holder (10.02)

In addition to his coaching/community outreach, Rossum is currently the CEO of Capital Contracting Services, LLC, based in Atlanta.

 


Andre Al-Ghani, Jackrabbit Track Club (Georgia)

When you speak of track clubs, Jackrabbit has to be at the top of the list and Coach Al-Ghani has established himself as a premiere club coach in Georgia and on the national club level. An alumni of the legendary sprint group out of Long Beach Poly HS (California), Andre's expertise and commitment to improving track & field is unquestionable.  Some of his highlights are:

  • USATF Level I Certification
  • 2018 GATFXCCA Club Coach of the Year
  • 2016 USATF-GA Club Coach of the Year
  • Numerous championships/accolades at the state/club/national levels
  • Long Beach Poly HS 4x100m Relay Record (40.64)

Detailed Bio Link

Updated Schedule (12-29-2018)

Speakers/topics subject to change--All below are confirmed as of 12-29-18

Friday January 11

3:45-4:30 PM                    Check-In / Vendor Expo

4:30-5:20 PM                    Session 1

  • Wayne Clark (MF-Athletics)"Sprint Relay Mechanics"
     
  • Scott Christensen (Stillwater HS, MN) "Profiling Endurance Runners: The Science"
     
  • Luke Syverson (Berry College) "Coaching Throws for Non-Throwing Coaches"
     
  • Dwight Phillips (U.S. Gold Medalist/World Champion)--Long & Triple Jump

5:30-6:30 PM                    Coaches Panel and Q&A: The Recruiting Process for the HS Athlete & Coach

  • Dwight Phillips (US Gold Medalist/World Champion)
  • Luke Syverson (Berry College Head T&F Coach)
  • Jeff Jenkins (Piedmont College Head TFXC Coach)
  • Nick Houstoulakis (Marietta HS Head Coach)
  • Matt Henson, (Parkview HS, Head Coach)
  • Cedric Sapp, (McEachern HS, Head Coach)

6:30-7:30 PM                    GATFXCCA Coaches Dinner provided by Maggiano's

  • Welcome & Intro
  • Dwight Phillips (US Gold Medalist/World Champion)
  • Rich Kenah (Atlanta Track Club, Executive Director)
  • Hawthorne Wesley, Atlanta Track Club (keynote speaker) "Development of Cross Country and Track & Field in Georgia Through My Eyes"

7:30-8:00 PM                     Special Recognitions

  • 2018 GATFXCCA XC & T&F Coaches of the Year Recognitions sponsored by FleetFeet
  • 2018 Hall of Fame Class Presentation & Update

8:00-9:30 PM (or later)   GATFXCCA Coaches Social

  • Dessert/snacks/beverages
  • Enjoy your time with staff, fellow coaches/vendors/sponsors/speakers/attendees
  • Breakout talks
  • Open mike for comments/ideas/questions/discussions/recommendations                 

 

Saturday January 12

7:45-8:15 AM                 Breakfast (grab and go)  / Check-In / Vendor Expo
                                                 Sponsored by USATF-GA Coaches Advisory Committee

8:30-9:20 AM                 Session 2 

  • Dr. Josh Glass (Georgia Sports Chiropractic) "Preventing Common Injuries"
     
  • Philip Hoskins (McEachern) "Training the Long & Triple Jumper"
     
  • Wayne Clark (MF-Athletics) "Sprint/Hurdle Starts & Mechanics"
     
  • Jack Coleman (Marietta) "Questions Distance Coaches Should Ask Themselves"
     
  • Gabor Mate (Auburn; Olympian) "Throwing Fundamentals for All Levels"
     
  • Matt Henson (Parkview HS) "Training Phases to Peak at the Right Time: Parkview's 400m Base Philosophy"

9:30-10:20 AM              Session 3 

  • Scott Christensen (Stillwater HS, MN) "Building Endurance Superstars: The Workouts"
     
  • Andre Al-Ghani (Jackrabbit Track Club, GA) "Athlete Development"
     
  • Nick Houstoulakis (Marietta HS) "Fundamentals & Essentials for a Sound Sprints/Relays Program"
     
  • Mark Strawderman (MF-Athletics) "Pole Vaulting for Beginners"
     
  • Luke Syverson (Berry College) "Small staff, new coach, limited budget?  How to make it work!"
     
  • Jeff Jenkins (Piedmont College) "Developing Middle Distance Runners - The Blank Slate Method

10:30-11:20 AM           Session 4 

  • Scott Christensen (Stillwater HS, MN) "Distance Culture and Dynamics: How We Do It"
     
  • Dr. Josh Glass (Georgia Sports Chiropractic) "Olympic Recovery Routines: How Pros Win Medals"
     
  • Patrick Parsons (Allatoona) "Building a Championship Track Program"
     
  • Gabor Mate (Auburn, Olympian) "Throwing Video Analysis"
     
  • Panel/Q&A/Forum "Bridging the Gap between High School & Club Coaches"
     
  • O'Neisha Smith (Chapel Hill HS) "Dream Big, Aim High and Fly: The High Jump"

11:30-12:20 PM           Session 5 

  • Greg French (Registered Nutritionist/Dietician, Action Fitness & Nutrition)
    "Fueling Your Athletes to Perform Better"
     
  • Jack Coleman (Marietta HS) "Training Strategies for XC Success"
     
  • Cedric Sapp (McEachern HS) "Sprint Training: Developing a Season Plan"
     
  • Mark Strawderman (MF-Athletics) "Pole Vault Teaching Progressions"
     
  • Wayne Clark (MF-Athletics) "Hurdle Speed Development"
     
  • Allen Rossum (ATL-Zoom) TBA

12:30-1:30 PM              Coaches Luncheon sponsored by Big Peach Running Company

1:30-2:15 PM                 GHSA Rules Clinic (for GHSA coaches/lay coaches)

1:30-3:00 PM                 SafeSport Training Video Session
                                                (USATF club coaches--credit given at the conclusion of session)

Adjourn

Claud Spinks, Eagles Landing TFXC

Spinks, our 5A XC representative and Distance Summit Chair, has been at Eagle's Landing High School for over 16 years serving in both capacities as head TFXC coach as well as athletic director.

Spinks' coaching tenure has produced some impressive accomplishments including:

  • 26 region championships
  • Top 10 at state meet over 30 times
  • Numerous county, region state & national championships
  • Multiple GHSA state/classification and/or national high school records
  • Over 100 student-athletes competing at the college level in both TFXC
  • 8 NCAA Division 1 Championships qualifiers
  • 5 NCAA Division 1 All-Americans
  • Professional runners
  • US National team qualifiers
  • US Olympic team qualifiers

  •  

Derek Harper, Sr., Stephenson

Harper, our 2019 Men's Horizontal Jumps Coach of the Year, has over 20 years of coaching experience and has been a Jaguar since 1999.  He is a graduate of Pontiac Northern HS (MI) and the University of Michigan, where he was a standout athlete for the Wolverines in the long jump during his career.

Some of the accomplishments Harper has helped Stephenson achieve are:

  • 2000 GHSA State Track & Field Championship
  • 4 Consecutive Dekalb County Championships (2000-2003)
  • 3 Region Championships (2001, 2003, 2008)
  • Numerouse state qualifers and finalists
     

Some of the highlights of Harperas a collegiate and high school athlete are:

  • 1984 US Olympic Qualifier
  • 1984 Big 10 Long Jump Champion
  • 1982 Big 10 Long Jump Champion
  • University of Michigan Long Jump Record 25-10.75"
  • Pontiac Northern HS (MI) LJ Record Holder 25-0"
  • Michigan HS State Indoor LJ Record 23-11"