The Modern Coach’s Compass Podcast

We began this season by looking at our vision as a coach, why we coach, and how we want to be remembered.  Looking at Episode 3, the focus was on the end of our career's.  In this episode, I wanted to spend some time discussing how to develop your coaching philosophy.  Our philosophy will change a little bit as we move along with our coaching journey, but some of our core values wil...

It probably isn't something we think about often, but do you ever wonder what people will say about you at your 80th birthday party?  Or, has the thought of what will people say about me at my funeral come across your mind?  If you answered no, you are probably in the majority.  I'm not sure how many people think about these two questions on a daily or even regular basis, but I thin...

In our first episode of Season 2020 I discussed what it means to find your purpose, North Star, or why.  There are many terms used by many different social influencers out there, so you can decipher for yourself which term you most prefer. When you understand your purpose for doing what you do, it'll make doing your What so much more rewarding for you.  In my example, my purpose is to pr...

If you are a coach or athlete, deep down we all have a reason or purpose for doing the things we do. Some may be fueled by external validation or acknowledgement. Others may coach or compete for the love of it. All of us have a reason why we do what we do. What is your why? Why do you coach? Why do you compete?

It has been quite a long time since I last recorded a podcast!  What better way to come back into the fold by sharing some information about the release of my second book Thrower: Propelling Towards Greatness - 2nd Edition.  I've included two traits in this edition that really provide some perspective on what it really means to take your throwing to the next level; being able to seize th...

Mel Herl is a 2x Division II National Champion and multiple time All-American.  Not only is she a decorated thrower, but an exceptional Olympic weightlifter as well.  In our 3rd interview, Mel discussed;   1. Her late start to throwing at the high school level  2. The transition to collegiate throwing at the Division II level  3. How the relationship with her coach played...

I had the honor to spend some time discussing throwing, training, and the work/life balance with Highland Games Professional Thrower Matt Hand.  Matt has been involved with the Highland Games for over 15 years.  In this episode he discusses how he got into throwing, training at two different colleges, making the transition to the Highland Games, turning pro, competing around the world, w...

I had the great pleasure and honor to spend some time speaking with Sean Foulkes.  He is an amazing throwing coach at Portage Northern High School located in Michigan.  In his brief time there, he has coached a multitude of great shot-put, discus, hammer, and weight throwers.   In this episode we spend some time discussing how he got into coaching, what it's like to coach 30-40 thro...

Reevaluating Expectations 2

Values and Conference Championships

I had the opportunity to speak to student-athletes at SUNY Fredonia on Sunday, February 17th.  During my presentation, one of the students asked me a question about how I had got to where I was in my professional life.  I thought for a moment, and it ultimately came down to one decision I made while I was in graduate school.  I received a phone call while I was working from our then...

Everyone once in awhile I'll get asked by another coach how we 'do' things at Nazareth College.  Up until a couple of years ago, I never gave that much thought.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize the importance of having a strong team culture was until we didn't have one. Looking for a fresh start with my group of throwers this season, I wrote them all a letter in July.  In that lette...

In this episode of the Forza Athletics Life & Coaching podcast I share my thoughts of what our throwers expect to learn and be able to do by our first meet in December. At practice yesterday I asked each thrower to share their thoughts about what they hope to be able to do by our first meet, which is on December 6th. Not one thrower made reference to a specific distance they wanted to throw. This...

In this episode, I discuss deliberate practice. You may have heard the term in the past, but do you really know what it means? In her book Grit, Angela Duckworth goes into great detail sharing her research about the topic and how it can be applied to pretty much any endeavor you wish to get more proficient in. The cycle of deliberate practice has four steps. They are: 1. Set a goal 2. Put forth 10...

In episode 22 of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I review the 4 yearly expectations I discuss with my collegiate throwers to ensure us the best possible opportunity to have a safe, successful, and rewarding season. The 4 expectations I review with my throwers on a daily/weekly basis are: 1. Everyone will give their best effort everyday 2. We will support each other throughout the sea...

In this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I discuss a few ways coaches can better involve athletes in the yearly goal-setting process. Engagement is paramount. As coaches, we need to be able to engage our athletes, especially in long track & field seasons. It's important for us to engage our athletes as best we can to give them ownership in the yearly process.

In this episode of our podcast, I review the contents of my latest book release-Thrower: Propelling Towards Greatness. My intention behind this book is to help coaches and athletes bridge the gap between goals, accountability, and expectations. For coaches, this book will assist you in creating a culture and environment that will provide your athletes the best opportunity to be successful. You wil...

Latest episode of The Forza Athletics Life & Coaching Podcast

On our latest episode, I introduce the first trait that the best of the best throwers possess - a vision. They have a vision and plan set out for themselves. In some instances, the vision may be to accomplish a shorter-term goal, like qualify for a conference championship. For others, however, the vision may be to one day become a national champion. When we are able to see see or visualize where w...

Over the course of the next few weeks I'm going to spend more time discussing my thoughts about what it takes to be a great thrower. I'm going to be speaking from my experiences as a coach and what I've learned from Olympic throwers, their coaches, and their support systems. In this episode I ask the question, what makes great throwers?

As with any new season, coaches and athletes alike are filled with hope, new goals, and expectations. In this episode I discuss how coaches and athletes need to hold each other accountable to their expectations.

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