Track and Field / Cross Country Planning 2004-2005

 

Communication

At the junior college level, we have to make sure that we understand the policies and procedures, and when they change, at the N.C.A.A. Division I level. We have to make sure that the athletes that come to us are placed in the proper classes so that in two years they not only graduate, but have achieved 40% of their degree plan. This area is where it is essential for the coaches and advisors/counselors to work hand in hand so that the student will not be the one to suffer.

 

Service to the Community

In the community, we as a track and field team must do more. The fall season is our time of least activity. After cross country and before Christmas break we are implementing a community clean-up day. There are areas around this community where trash flies around freely. Major sites that we will attack are close to large department stores, empty lots, etc. The coaches and athletes will wear Track and Field apparel and work as a team to attack this problem head on. Expenses will be limited, as we could get trash bags, gloves, etc. donated to us.

 

Faculty and Staff Development

The need for a third coach in the track and field area is essential. There are just not enough coaches to be able to give the proper amount of time needed to all the athletes in the many areas of the event. The most general way to split the coaching responsibilities is into these groups: mid/long distance, sprints/hurdles/jumps, and throws. This would ensure that all events are covered and can be given the proper amount of time that is needed to be able to coach each area fully. The third coach would not only help out on the track, but in the weight room, during study hall, and with recruiting. This new coach would also be able to teach around campus, in whatever his or her degree would be in.

 

 

 

Learner Success

In the past Garden City has always had a great track team and I plan on continuing that success with the best recruiting and coaching. I do believe that to be number one, we are going to need some things. For instance, the development of an indoor facility would be huge. A multi-purpose facility with a multi-purpose floor would be expensive to build at first, but in less than one year the revenue would start pouring in. We would have the only indoor track between these four cities: Manhattan, KS; Kearney, NE, Colorado Springs, CO; and Lubbock, TX. Colleges and high schools from all over the neighboring states would be flocking in to Garden City, KS to pay to compete in our new indoor facility. Not only could we host at least 4 regular season college indoor track meets, but we could also put a bid in to host regions and nationals! We could even rent the facility out a couple of weekends to high schools for them to host indoor track meets. The facility would house all coaches and their offices, all P.E. classrooms, and a large weight room with free and machine weights. On the non-revenue side, our athletes could now train properly even in the cold, cold days we have in western Kansas. Like any sport, with the proper training you just get better.

Finally, the outdoor track does need to be upgraded. The new throwing area needs to be finished, the track resurfaced, the steeple-chase pit and barriers need to be upgraded / replaced, and new hurdles need to be purchased. We need new high jump and pole vault mats and covers, pole vault standards, and we also need new starting blocks. Until all this is taken care of, we will not be able to host a collegiate track meet in the near future.

Hopefully by 2006, these criteria will be met, and we will have the best track team in the nation, with state of the art facilities, and a team that works with the community to build a better Garden City.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Coach James White II