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The Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 34 - ConfidenceConfidence
You have invested an enormous amount of time preparing for your competition. Use the meet as a reward to yourself for all the hard-work you have put into your training, throwing, nutrition, rest, recovery, and weight lifting sessions. This is the time to believe that our best effort will come out now! This is the time to believe and trust in yourself that you have prepared to the very best of your ability for this upcoming competition.2021-12-1011 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 33 - ComposureComposure
Finding your optimal level of arousal takes time and deliberate practice. As an athlete and high-level thrower, this is another key element in finding your desired level of success. Maintaining a state of equilibrium is very necessary in throwing. Having emotional outbursts on every throw during warm-ups may not physically prepare your body to compete when necessary, when the competition actually starts. As an athlete, you can experiment in practice. Be aware of your thoughts before you step into the circle. Do you feel nervous? Can you see your heart racing through your shirt? Are you sweating...2021-12-0916 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 32 - 1st Meet Recap: Houghton Collegehttps://www.tfrrs.org/results/70794/Houghton_December_Classic/2021-12-0814 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 31 - The Skill of Focus: ComposureComposure
Finding your optimal level of arousal takes time and deliberate practice. As an athlete and high-level thrower, this is another key element in finding your desired level of success. Maintaining a state of equilibrium is very necessary in throwing. Having emotional outbursts on every throw during warm-ups may not physically prepare your body to compete when necessary, when the competition actually starts. As an athlete, you can experiment in practice. Be aware of your thoughts before you step into the circle. Do you feel nervous? Can you see your heart racing through your shirt? Are you sweating...2021-12-0716 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 30 - The Art of Focus: Be in the Present Moment and Positive Strong ThoughtsThe Skill of Focus
In order to prepare our physical and mental states for throwing, it is vital for us to be ready and prepared. Our mindset and emotions control our physical states. There are five steps to creating a clearer focus for ourselves as throwers and what we want to accomplish. Incorporating the five steps to prepare ourselves and be ready to compete are critical components to your success as a thrower.
1. Be in the Present Moment
Distraction is our enemy. When you are physically at a track meet, are you mentally pr...2021-12-0720 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 29 - A Holistic Approach to Coaching: Part 2I’m really excited to announce that I will be offering a free 30 minute Holistic Coaching and Mentoring Consultation session for throwers this year. I’ve been thinking about putting together an opportunity like this for quite some time. My approach to coaching and how I work with my athletes is more outside-the-box than what we might consider more traditional coaching methods. I emphasize more time spent focused on the mental aspects of throwing, which has led the throwers I’ve coached to achieve unprecedented success.
Throwers that I’ve mentored have accomplished these outcomes:
2019 New Balance Ind...2021-12-0709 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 28 - 3 Strategies for Competing in a Four Throw CompetitionIn this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I share 3 strategies coaches and throwers can incorporate into their meet preparation for a 4 throw meet.
1. Encourage round 1 technique that helps make the thrower as comfortable as possible
2. Only focus on 1 to 2 technical cues through the competition
3. View the competition from the mindset of round 1 encompasses the first 3 throws of a regular competition and that rounds 2 - 4 are similar to those if you made the finals2021-12-0212 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 27 - Holistic Approach to Coaching ConsultationI’m really excited to announce that I will be offering a free 30 minute Holistic Coaching and Mentoring Consultation session for throwers this year. I’ve been thinking about putting together an opportunity like this for quite some time. My approach to coaching and how I work with my athletes is more outside-the-box than what we might consider more traditional coaching methods. I emphasize more time spent focused on the mental aspects of throwing, which has led the throwers I’ve coached to achieve unprecedented success.
Throwers that I’ve mentored have accomplished these outcomes:
2019 New Balance Ind...2021-12-0110 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 26 - Catching Up With National Champion Thrower Jordan CrayonThis week I got the chance to catch up with former Ashland Eagle and National Champion thrower Jordan Crayon. Jordan won the 2016 Division II Indoor National Championship in the 35lb. Weight Throw and is a multiple time All-American thrower in the 35lb. Weight Throw and Hammer Throw. In this episode, we discussed:
1. How playing Football led him to throwing in college
2. Meeting Jud Logan for the first time
3. Competing during his freshman season
4. Learning how to compete at indoor and outdoor nationals
5. Sweeping the circle at the 2016 Division II Indoor National championships
6. It taking a village to raise a thrower
7. The goal...2021-11-2955 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 25 - My Sincerest Thank YouI'd like to take the time to express my gratitude to my current throwers and coaching staff at Alfred State for allowing me the opportunity to be your throwing coach.2021-11-2502 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 24 - The Reflective ThrowerAs you have probably read or listened, the past couple of weeks I’ve shared a lot of strategies, suggestions, and tips for coaches and throwers when thinking about goals and the goal-setting process. A central tenet of this process is establishing open lines of communication in sharing expectations with athletes, and in turn athletes sharing their expectations for themselves and their teammates. Taking everything into consideration, a lot of this can be summed up with one word.
Reflective
Over the summer I shared a lot of thoughts about the importance of journaling and how keep...2021-11-2512 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 23 - Discussing Goals and Expectations With Your AthletesIn this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I discuss strategies you as a coach can easily incorporate in your conversations with athletes that help establish realistic expectations and goals with your athletes.2021-11-2213 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 22 - On The ClockIn my last post I shared some thoughts about early season training, the complexities of how our season is structured, and the processes we implement as the season rolls on. All of those topics are centered around one core item, Time.
In total, 26 weeks may seem like a long season. However, with the intermittent breaks along the way, some of the training time falls independently on each individual thrower. We have 26 training weeks for our season, but with our scheduled breaks along the way, there is some time that is spent away from our facility. It is what...2021-11-1706 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 21 - Working Towards Our First Indoor Track and Field MeetPractice officially began a couple of weeks ago for our Alfred State throwers. In the time we have had, everyone has worked diligently in honing their throwing craft or learning how to throw the various implements. Efficient time management has been the conduit that has held things together.
We have 11 total throwers (4 women, 7 men). Some of which are returning (7) and some are new (4). Others have also never thrown before (2). It is a great mix of personalities that has kept practice fun and interesting.
One thing that always creeps into my mind at roughly the same time...2021-11-1709 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 20 - Communicating Expectations With Your AthletesIn this week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I discuss ways in which you as a coach can begin to have a conversation with your athletes about goals/expectations/aspirations for the upcoming season.
This season at Alfred State I have 6 returning throwers and 5 new throwers. As a group we have a wide range of ability levels with regard to the individual throwing events. It is my job as a coach to maximize the time we have together in practice, along with maximizing the expectations of each thrower in order to assist them in...2021-11-0809 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 19 - First Training Session of the 2021-22 SeasonIn this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I discuss our first training session as a group at Alfred State. Our first training session as a group took place on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021. In total we have 6 returning throwers and 5 new throwers. Some of our new throwers threw in high school and some did not, which made for some interesting dynamics at practice yesterday.
This episode was recorded on November 3rd, 2021. 2021-11-0409 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 18 - You Never Know Who is Going to Walk Through Your Doorwww.forzathletics.com2021-11-0308 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 17 - The Beginning of the End of My Collegiate Throwing Careerhttps://youtu.be/HyqQAn0X5-I2021-09-2818 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 16 - Seven Successful Strategies As You Transition to CollegeAs a student-athlete I knew I had to maintain at least a 2.0gpa and could not participate in or indulge with drugs/alcohol for fear of either being kicked off the track and field team or expelled from school. I had a few teammates over the years that stayed on campus for a fall semester and didn’t return for that spring semester. The same for those that didn’t return in the fall of our sophomore, junior and senior years too. The one thing I remember Coach OG sharing with me in one of our first meetings on campus...2021-09-0230 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 15 - Where Do I Want to Go?First , when reflecting back on your season, it’s important to consider if you met and achieved the goals you set out to accomplish this season. Nobody could have predicted the number of restrictions we would have faced and encountered this season. With all the trials and obstacles in your way, how well do you think your season went?
Did you accomplish your goal(s) (yes, no, both)? Second, when reflecting back on your goals and if you accomplished them or not, another idea to consider is did you live up to your standards? Did you hold yourself...2021-08-3107 min
The Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 14 - Talents, Skills, and More About Luis RiveraThe suggestions I’ve shared in the past are quite universal. Get sufficient sleep (7-9hrs a night) instead of staying up playing video games or scrolling through social media until 4am. Take advantage of the recovery protocols offered to you (especially at the collegiate level and maybe as a post-collegiate athlete as well) by visiting the athletic trainer if something doesn’t feel right, speaking to a nutritionist to discuss eating habits and proper fueling, and meeting with your strength and conditioning coach to discuss efficient recovery methods post weight room training. Maybe sacrifice isn’t the right word in t...2021-08-2415 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 13 - End of Year ThoughtsIn this week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I share my end of year thoughts about our awesome 2020-21 season. I also share a little bit about our summer programming and the importance of training while off for 3 months.2021-06-0717 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 12 - How Much Effort is Enough to Meet Your Expectations?In Episode 12 of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching podcast I discuss a wide range of topics, such as;
1. Why I started this podcast three years ago
2. How to gauge your effort in competition
3. Do you compete like you practice
4. How my coaching philosophy has evolved over the past 16 years
5. Are you all gas no brakes or do you have a rhyme and reason for each throw in practice2021-05-2617 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 11 - End of Season OverviewIn this week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I give a very detailed overview of our 2020-21 season at Alfred State. We all overcame a lot of adversity as we traversed through this season. I go into some detail about what that adversity was, how we overcame it, and what we will be working on as we prepare for the 2021-22 season.2021-05-2318 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 10 - Proud Coach Moments from 2020-21Welcome back to another edition of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast. I'm your host Charles Infurna. Episode 10 was recorded on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021. In this episode I provide a brief recap of our 2020-21 track and field season. We still have a few more athletes competing over the course of the next couple of weeks in the hopes of moving up the national's list, so this episode provides a brief look behind the curtain.2021-05-1206 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 9 - Life, Regrets, and Windows of ExcellecneThis week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast speaks about life, regrets, and windows of excellence. This episode was recorded on Friday, April 30th, 2021.
As I reflect upon my time as a coach, I often think about the what if's that are associated with life in general. As the athletes I coach approach graduation, I offer some type of life experiences and some suggestions about navigating life in the post-collegiate world. For a majority of the athletes I've coached, the last time they compete in a track meet is the last competition of their col...2021-05-0513 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 8 - Pressure is a PrivilegeIn today's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching podcast I spent some time discussing the idea that pressure is a privilege. I first heard this expression at a sports coaching conference in June 2018. It was mentioned in a discussion about peak performance, mindset and how athletes' thoughts control their emotions. These positive or negative emotions would in turn cause our bodies to have a physiological response which would ultimately determine our performance(s) for that situation we would be in (sports, business, medical, etc.).
2021-04-3011 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 7 - Improvement and Proficiency: Can You Have Both?What’s the Difference?
If you’ve attended enough track meets in your career much like I have, you may have heard coaches and athletes or coaches and coaches discussing the topic of improvement and proficiency. I overheard the conversation take place at the lone indoor meet we had. The conversation wasn’t between coach and athlete, but rather between two coaches from two different teams. To paraphrase, the conversation went something like this:
Coach 1: This is our only indoor meet of the year. I was hoping our athletes would have consistent performances in their events....2021-04-2616 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 6 - Meet #2 Recap, Body Language, and Competition ExpectationsOn Sunday our team competed at the Brockport Invitational meet. Yes, the meet was held on a Sunday. The week of practice and preparation leading up to the meet went pretty well. Lots of good throws in practice, the throwers’ technical efficiency improved, and we had some strong performances in the weight room. Then the competition began.
As a whole, the competition went fairly well. We had lots of personal best and season best performances. It was the distance of those performances that I think most of our throwers didn’t like.
In my experiences as a throwin...2021-04-2420 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 5 - April 9th, 2021 Meet Recap and Picking EventsWelcome back to another episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast. In this week's episode I spend some time providing a recap of our first outdoor meet of the season. I also spend some time discussing the process of picking events moving forward throughout the remainder of the season.
This past Friday our Alfred State throwers competed in their first meet of the 2020-21 season. It was also the first time in many years that Alfred State had hosted a meet. We had great weather, great competition, and exciting performances.
The meet began at 3...2021-04-1320 minThe Throws Doc PodcastMeet Week Preparation - 3 Strategies That Lead to Optimum PerformancesWelcome back to another edition of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast. In today's episode I share some strategies and tips that coaches and athletes can easily implement that will lead to optimum performances during competition.
This will be the first meet my athletes will be competing in about 13 months. As a coach, I emphasize three different strategies with my athletes as we begin the competitive season.
1. Meet day preparation should mimic practice day preparation; routines and rituals are your friends
2. Don't introduce new technical aspects to your throw; save those for pr...2021-04-0712 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 4 - Late Night Training SessionsIn this episode I share some strategies for coaches who are practicing with their athletes later in the evening. At Alfred State, for the time being we are practicing from 8:30pm-10:30pm three nights per week. We'll be indoors through February and probably into the middle of March. Without an indoor season to train for, a lot of our training time is going to be spent focusing on technique and the establishment of a throwing foundation for when we are able to transition outdoors with warmer weather.2021-02-1014 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 3 - Don't Give UpOne night a week my oldest son plays recreation soccer through our parks and rec department. The age group he plays with is 7-10. He is one of the youngest (7) on the team, but physically stands head and shoulders over most of the other kids. There are two teams of 7 kids and each coach on the indoor field at the same time. They begin with about 15 minutes of drill work, and then play short games (basically until one team scores). After a goal the kids take a water break and then continue playing.
I enjoy watching my son p...2021-02-0620 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With World Class Triathlete Ginny CataldiThis week I got the chance to catch up with Kona and 70.3 World Championships Ginny Cataldi. By day Ginny is a middle school Art teacher. You can also say by day Ginny is a world class Triathlete. In this episode, Ginny and I discuss:
1. Her introduction to Triathlon
2. When Ginny realized she would have a bright future in Triathlon
3. Qualifying for her first Kona World Championships
4. Relationships and Triathlon
5. Balancing teaching and training
6. How to plan out a season
7. Training through a pandemic
8...2021-01-2537 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With World Class Mom and Triathlete Kristen LipscombThis week I had to catch up with world class Triathlete and super mom Kristen Lipscomb. Kristen and I were teammates in high school (track and field). We both competed in the throwing events, with some shorter races sprinkled in. Since graduating from high school, Kristen has become a world class Triathlete, having qualified for the 70.3 world championships in 2020. Besides being a world class athlete, Kristen is a wife and mom of two little ones. Even after our interview, I still struggle with figuring out how she is able to balance a career, family, and training all through a world...2021-01-1153 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Pan American Gold Medalist Olympic Weightlifter Alyssa RitcheyThis week I got the chance to catch up with Pan American Games Gold Medalist Olympic Weightlifter Alyssa Ritchey. I was so pumped to conduct this interview that we just kept on talking! Alyssa's weightlifting credentials are amazing:
2019 Pan American Championship 2019; 1st for snatch, Clean & jerk, and total
Strongest athlete pound for pound in the history of the USA for the clean and jerk at 107kg made at Pan Americans in 2019
Pan American record holder for clean & jerk
12th at World Championships in 2018
4th at the Pan American Championships in 2018...2021-01-041h 29The Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Thrower Nick PonzioThis week I got the chance to catch up with USC graduate and all-round badass thrower Nick Ponzio. It was great conversation, one in which I realized that we have more in common besides throwing. Nick's family came to the United States from Italy shortly after the conclusion to World War I, settled on the East Coast before finally settling in Southern California.
In this episode, Nick and I discussed:
1. Growing up Italian-American
2. Picking up the shot as a junior in high school
3. Selecting Florida
4. Making the transition to USC 2020-11-3045 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Olympic Weightlifting Master's World Champion Kristi BrewerThis week I got the chance to catch up with master's world champion Olympic weightlifter Kristi Brewer. Besides being a world champion lifter, Kristi is also a world record holder and all world wife and mom. In this episode Kristi and I discussed:
1. Her introduction to Olympic weightlifting
2. When she realized she could be a "good" lifter
3. Qualifying for USA Nationals in her first competition
4. Competing internationally
5. Managing a home/training balance with her family
6. Advice for new Olympic weightlifters
7. Making the d...2020-11-0237 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 2 - Your Questions AnsweredIn this episode I answered questions I received on Instagram.
1. How did you end up at Alfred St.?
2. How do you set up your practice schedule through COVID restrictions?
3. Best ways to keep kids engaged
4. Thoughts on missing the indoor season
5. Keeping athletes motivated with the potential loss of the indoor and outdoor season2020-10-2622 minThe Throws Doc PodcastEpisode 1 - Back to Collegiate CoachingIn this episode I discuss how I got back into collegiate coaching by becoming the throwing coach of the Alfred State Pioneers. I also share my thoughts about coaching through restrictions, quarantine, and limited schedules.2020-10-2013 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With YSU Throwing Coach Megan TomeiThis week I got the chance to catch up with All American thrower Megan Tomei. Megan is the current throwing coach at YSU. In her brief stint as throwing coach, Megan has already led one YSU thrower to compete on the international stage. Megan is a graduate of Ashland University where she threw under the watchful eye of Jud Logan.
In this episode, Megan and I discussed:
1. How she first got involved in throwing
2. Why she decided to take her throwing talents to Ashland University
3...2020-09-221h 30The Throws Doc PodcastWhat Is Holding You Back?What is holding you back from accomplishing your goals?2020-09-0624 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With All-American Thrower Dom GonzalezIt took us about five years, but we finally scheduled this interview and got it recorded. I've known Dom for over 10 years. We competed against each other. We also coached against each other.
In this episode, Dom and I discussed:
1. Competing at the collegiate level
2. Throwing in the SUNY Brockport system
3. Post-collegiate throwing
4. Coaching at the collegiate level
5. Starting a business
6. Training philosophies
7. Training with a family
8. Putting together a garage (barn) gym2020-08-1740 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Olympic Weightlifter and Coach Noel LekaThis week I got the chance to catch up with Olympic Weightlifter Noel Leka. Noel is a certified USAW-Level 2 coach as well as a CrossFit L1 coach. He is also one of the top Olympic weightlifters in the United States, having competed at the previous two Arnold Classics. In 2019, Noel earned the silver medal in the Snatch at the US Championships.
In this episode, Noel and I discussed:
1. His introduction to Olympic Weightlifting
2. Moving to the United States at an early age
3. Playing high school sports
4. When he began taking O...2020-07-131h 09The Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Hillsdale College Throwing Coach Jessica BridenthalThis week I got the chance to catch up with Hillsdale College throwing coach Jessica Bridenthal. Jessica competed at Ashland University during her throwing career, racking up an incredible 12 All-American awards and a National Championship in the 20lb. weight throw. After her collegiate throwing career ended, Jess set her sights on the Highland Games. During her career as a Highland athlete, Jess won multiple world championships.
In this interview, Jess and I discussed;
1. How she got into throwing at Ashland
2. Her transition from Basketball to thrower
3. Competing for Ashland University
4. Cal...2020-07-0650 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Highland Games World Champion Daniel McKimThis week I had the chance to catch up with multiple time Highland Games World Champion Daniel McKim. In this candid and humorous interview, Dan and I spoke at great length about:
1. How he began throwing in high school
2. Making the transition to collegiate thrower
3. Not living up to expectations as a collegiate thrower (multiple nationals trips with one All-American award earned)
4. Transitioning to Highland Games
5. Realizing I might be good at this
6. How an injury helped him focus more on competition
7. What it is like to...2020-06-231h 06The Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Alfred State Director of Track & Field and Head S & C Coach Tim GiagiosIn this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I got the chance to catch up with my long time friend and new Director of Track & Field and Head S & C Coach at Alfred State Tim Giagios. I've known Tim for 20 years, dating back to our high school days in Rochester, NY. Tim and I also competed against each other in college, Tim as an athlete at Buffalo State and myself a member of the Fredonia State Blue Devils.
In this episode Tim discusses the crazy path he has taken to secure his first head coach...2020-06-1756 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up with Highland Games World Champion Adriane Blewitt Wilson - Interview 9Adriane (Blewitt) Wilson graduated from Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio) in 2004 with a degree in Physical Education and Health. As an NCAA Division II track and field athlete, she is a 13 time All-American in the shot put, discus, hammer and 20lb. weight throw. Adriane earned 7 NCAA Div II National titles and 6 Runner Up honors. She is the former NCAA Division II record holder in the discus and still owns the national indoor and outdoor shot put NCAA Div II records. As a professional track and field thrower, Adriane competed in three US Olympic Trials (’04, ’08, ’12) in the shot put. She is the 13...2020-05-1152 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With SUNY Fredonia Assistant XC/Track & Field Coach Kelly Vincent - Interview 8This week I got the chance to catch up with fellow SUNY Fredonia alum Kelly Vincent. Kelly was a standout distance runner as a student-athlete at SUNY Fredonia. She is on multiple all-time top 10 lists across the many distance events she competed in. After a brief stint as the recruiting coordinator at St. John Fisher College, Kelly returned to Fredonia as a full-time assistant coach in the summer of 2019.
In this episode Kelly and I talked about:
1. Competing at SUNY Fredonia
2. Making the transition to coaching
3. The dynamics between her former coach with w...2020-05-0448 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Wisconsin-Oshkosh Throwing Coach Mary Theisen-Lappen - Interview 7This week I caught up with Wisconsin-Oshkosh throwing coach Mary Theisen-Lappen.
In our interview this week, Mary and I discussed:
1. Her high school throwing career
2. Making the decision to throw in college
3. Why she choose one college over another
4. Post-collegiate throwing
5. The importance of making connections in the throwing world
6. Taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves
7. The positive turn her weightlifting career has taken
8. Competing at the 2020 Arnold Classic
9. Her outlook/philosophy on coaching
10. Advice for new throwing coache...2020-04-2752 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With 2x IPF World Powerlifting Champion Jen Millican - Interview 6This week I got the chance to catch up with 2x IPF World Powerlifting Champion Jen Millican.
In this episode Jen and I discuss how:
1. She manages a work/life balance between training
2. Working from home due to the COVID-19 virus
3. The importance of having a support system
4. Her approach to competing at the world championships
5. How visualization has positively impacted her powerlifting performances
6. The influence of social media on the world of powerlifting
7. How life changed after coming home...2020-04-2048 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With National Champion Thrower Luis Rivera - Interview 5In this week's Forza Athletics Life & Coaching Podcast I spent some time catching up with National Champion and 4x All-American thrower Luis Rivera.
I've known Luis for over 8 years and even I learned some new things about Luis from our chat. In this video we discussed his story on first coming to the United States in 9th grade, how he made the decision to attend Nazareth College, being discovered, dropping a class, his collegiate career, graduate school, and finally making the decision to move to Ashland to train with Jud Logan.2020-04-131h 18The Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Olympic Weightlifter Juliana Riotto-Interview 4In this week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life & Coaching Podcast I got the chance to speak with the 2018 Olympic Weightlifting Jr. Female Lifter of the Year Juliana (Jules) Riotto. Julia is also the 2018 Jr. World Silver Medalist, as well as the 2018 Jr. Pan American Champion.
Juliana began her weightlifting career about 6 years ago when she won the teenage division power clean event of the Crossfit Games a few years ago. From there she began to focus more on Olympic Weightlifting where she took the world by storm in 2018 as a junior lifter. Now at 21, Juliana has her...2020-04-0642 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Mental Performance Coach and Owner of Delta Mentality Liz Brockhouse-Interview 3In this week's episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I had the chance to interview Mental Performance Coach and Owner of Delta Mentality Liz Brookhouse.
In this episode Liz provides us with some great examples of how to build effective relationships with our athletes, how to better keep athletes engaged, what it means to focus, mindfulness implementation, and what the future might hold for mental performance coaches interested in working with high school athletes.
Liz Brookhouse, M.S. is a Mental Performance Coach and the Founder of Delta Mentality. She has worked wi...2020-04-0455 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching Up With Akron Zip Thrower William Gross IV - Interview 2In this episode of the Forza Athletics Life and Coaching Podcast I caught up with Akron Zip and New York State Champion thrower William Gross IV. I had the opportunity to work with William the summer before his senior year of high school through the indoor track & field season as William prepared for a run at winning a New York State Championship in the 25# weight throw.
William and I discussed his high school career, what it meant to win a New York State Championship, the recruiting process, selecting a college, and making the transition to Division I th...2020-03-3032 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCatching up with Highland Games Professional Thrower Matt Hand - Interview 1We came back for a second interview with Highland Games professional thrower Matt Hand. Matt is a graduate of SUNY Brockport that has made a successful transition to the world of Highland Games.
In this episode Matt and I discuss:
Nutrition for Highland competitors,
Meet preparation, and;
How the Corona virus has impacted his season and that other Highland athletes
2020-03-2426 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 13 Coaching Case Study #1 Heartache and Athletic Performance-What is a Coach to Do?This past weekend I attended a Division III track & field meet at Nazareth College. While I was sitting in the bleachers, two coaches standing in front of me had this conversation:
Coach 1-How was conference last week?
Coach 2-Not that good. We should have won, but didn't.
Coach 1-What happened?
Coach 2-Our best athlete didn't perform as well as he should have. His girlfriend of 7 years broke up with him the week before and he didn't compete well.
Coach 1-Really?
Coach 2-Yeah, he competed really (insert four letter wo...2020-03-1006 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 12 Do You Really Want to be Great?In this episode I continue to conversation from last week about re-evaluating expectations and the work it truly takes in order to move forward in a positive manner throughout your throwing journey.
I do want to revisit this topic again because I think it is important to provide coaches out there with some strategies and tools they can implement when encountering situations like this. First off, I’d like to share some feedback I received when I was working on a project a couple of years ago.
The scope of my project was to ask post...2020-01-2719 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 11 Re-Evaluating Expectations After Returning From BreakIn re-evaluating expectations after break with my athletes, I would; 1) review their goals with them, 2) develop an action plan with them on how to get back on track, 3) input accountability metrics along the way, and 4) share with them that at least for the first couple of meets (usually through the beginning of February) to focus on the process of getting back into throwing shape and not stress or feel anxious about the distances they thought they should be throwing at this point in the season and weren’t.
www.forzathletics.com2020-01-1712 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 10 Inspired by Adriane WilsonLast week I got a swim session in at the local YMCA with my dad. After my swim, I sat down in the sauna. There was a gentleman sitting there. After a few moments we started talking about training, life, and inspiration. I usually get anxious after sitting in the sauna at around the 30 minute mark, but on this day the time was flying by. Before he left the sauna, he asked me what gave me the inspiration to train as much as I do at my age. Earlier in the conversation I told him I was going to turn 38...2020-01-1011 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 9 Fear and ApprehensionIn this week's episode I thought it would be fitting to discuss the summer of 2004. I had just graduated from college, was enrolled in graduate school, and I was beginning my teaching career that fall. With all the positive opportunities in my life at that time, I reflect back on how fearful and apprehensive I was to follow my dreams. Rather than try to continue pursing my passion of throwing, I reluctantly made the decisions that everyone in my life expected of me, and here we are almost 16 years later.
This episode shares my early post-collegiate throwing stor...2020-01-0325 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 8 Reflections From 2019As a coach at Forza Athletics for the past three years, I can honestly say that I have been truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of post-collegiate and high-school throwers! This past year saw our athletes grow by leaps and bounds in the circle. It marked the 3rd year in a row we have had a thrower accept a Division I scholarship and the 2nd year in a row we have had a male thrower in New York State join the 70' weight and 50' shot-put club during a season. This...2019-12-2917 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 Episode 7 - Making the Transition to Post-Collegiate ThrowingI asked our social media friends on Tuesday if they had any ideas about podcast episodes. I received two great ideas from a graduate assistant throwing coach in the Mid-West. Her first question was about making the transition to post-collegiate throwing. In this episode, I discuss three facets I think are important when making a successful transition to post-collegiate throwing.
1. Why do you want to continue throwing post-collegiately
2. What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to achieve your goal(s)
3. Do you have a support system that is as enthusiastic about you ac...2019-10-2524 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 6 Goal SettingThank you Liz and Sean for asking great questions yesterday that I could answer on today's episode about goal setting.
Liz's question was-What's a process that actually works? SMART seems superficial/not always helpful
Sean asked-When looking long term, how many short term goals are necessary to achieve your long term goal
I tried my best to answer these two questions by reviewing what the SMART goal template looks like, the process I've incorporated with my collegiate and post-collegiate athletes, how I'm planning my half ironman training, and how focus plays a key f...2019-10-2125 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 5 Your One Word for the YearIn this brief episode I ramble about coaching, expectations and professional goals for the upcoming year. If you haven't had the chance to read Jon Gordon's book One Word, you can purchase his book by clicking this link
You read other articles I've written about being focused by clicking here and here
You can learn more about Forza Athletics by visiting www.forzathletics.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/forzathletics
Twitter www.twitter.com/forzathletics
Use code "throw" to save on my latest book Thrower: Propelling Towards Greatness - 2nd Ed...2019-08-1410 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 4 Your Ever Changing Coaching PhilosophyWe 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 will remain the same.
My philosophy is to illuminate a path for my athlete's that helps them achieve their goals. I'm ashamed to say that it wasn...2019-08-0717 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 3 Your LegacyIt 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 think about it quite often.
In one of my doctorate courses we were asked to present our future legacy to the class. We were instructed to t...2019-07-3111 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020 - Episode 2 Now Your "What"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 propel athletes into leaving their positive mark on the world. I am able to guide and mentor athletes by meeting them at speaking engagements, via social media (on...2019-07-3015 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSeason 2020-Episode 1 “Why”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?2019-07-2912 minThe Throws Doc PodcastThrower 2nd Edition Book ReleaseIt 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 the moment and what it means to be mentally tough. Proceeds from book purchases help support our post-collegiate throwers making the push to qualify for and compete in the 2020 Olympic Tri...2019-07-2914 minThe Throws Doc PodcastForza Athletics Interview #3 with 2x Division II National Champion Thrower Mel HerlMel 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 a role in her throwing performance(s)
4. Graduating from college and figuring out what to do next
5. Throwing at the USA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships
6. Making the tran...2019-03-2343 minThe Throws Doc PodcastInterview #2 with Professional Highland Games Thrower Matt HandI 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, while balancing everything will a full-time job. Matt lives in Corning, NY, and offers coaching and clinics throughout the year. You can contact Matt directly through social media on Twitter and Instagram @MattHandThrows. Even though I've known Matt for...2019-03-1352 minThe Throws Doc PodcastPodcast Interview #1 with Portage Northern High School Throwing Coach Sean FoulkesI 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 throwers in one session, bringing kids together, culture, buy-in, and his coaching philosophy. I learned a lot from Sean. I know you will as well!2019-03-0843 minThe Throws Doc PodcastReevaluating Expectations 2Reevaluating Expectations 22019-02-2607 minThe Throws Doc PodcastValues and Conference ChampionshipsValues and Conference Championships2019-02-2631 minThe Throws Doc PodcastChoicesI 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 current athletic director at SUNY Fredonia. The decision I made on the phone with him has led me to where I am today. Be sure to listen and f...2019-02-2110 minThe Throws Doc PodcastDefining Your Team's CultureEveryone 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 letter, I asked them to think about three things:
1. What their expectations of themselves were going to be for the season
2. What their expe...2019-02-1222 minThe Throws Doc PodcastFall Visions and BeyondIn 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 is a proud coach moment for me because in the past athletes would solely focus on outcomes, rather than process. A common theme that my...2018-11-0913 minThe Throws Doc PodcastDeliberate Practice-What Does it Really Mean?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 100% focus on that goal
3. Get feedback from your coach, and;
4. Implement that feedback until you reach your goal
It sounds pretty simple, but how often do we...2018-11-0211 minThe Throws Doc Podcast2018-19 Season ExpectationsIn 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 season
3. Hold yourself and your teammates accountable, and;
4. Always represent yourself and Nazareth College with respect and dignity (Do what is right, avoid what is wrong – Lou Holtz)
As a whole track & field program at Nazareth, we ha...2018-10-3016 minThe Throws Doc PodcastMake Your Athletes A Part of the Yearly ProcessIn 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.2018-10-2413 minThe Throws Doc PodcastThrower: Propelling Towards Greatness Ebook OverviewIn 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 will be able to better communicate and engage your athletes in devising plans that will propel them towards realizing their vision(s). Athletes, this book will help you be more accountable to your commitments and vision. Everyone wants...2018-10-2118 minThe Throws Doc PodcastSo You Want to Throw in College? College Recruiting2018-08-1117 minThe Throws Doc PodcastRecap of the 2017-18 SeasonLatest episode of The Forza Athletics Life & Coaching Podcast2018-08-1112 minThe Throws Doc PodcastWhat it Takes to be a Great Thrower - Having a VisionOn 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 we want to be in one, five, or ten years, we are then able to define our commitments and how we will hold ourselves accountable to achieving that...2018-06-0117 minThe Throws Doc PodcastWhat Makes Great Throwers?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?2018-05-2617 minThe Throws Doc PodcastRecap of the 2017-18 Season - Part 1As 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.2018-05-1413 minThe Throws Doc PodcastDream Chasers2018-04-2017 minThe Throws Doc PodcastRecap of the 2017-18 Indoor Track & Field Season2018-03-1218 minThe Throws Doc PodcastForza Athletics MissionOur Mission • Mission 2 • Mission 3 • Mission 42018-02-1316 minThe Throws Doc PodcastBuying InWhat does buying in look like • Buying In Part 2 • Buying In Part 3: Families • Buying In Part 4: Concluding Remarks2018-02-1217 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCoach-Athlete RelationshipsRelationships • Relationships 2 • Relationships 32018-01-2814 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCoaching Philosophy-Part 1Autonomy • Accountability 1 • Answers2018-01-2714 minThe Throws Doc PodcastCultivating AthletesIn this brief episode, I speak about the notion of cultivating athletes at the collegiate level. When selecting a college to attend, one of the topics worth looking into would be how much better do athletes get while enrolled at that college. Are coaches developing athletes and making them considerably better, or are they maintaining those athletes?2018-01-2504 minThe Throws Doc PodcastRecruitingRecruiting 1 • Recruiting 2 • Recruiting 32018-01-2414 minThe Throws Doc PodcastRealistic ExpectationsExpectations • Expectations 2 • Expectations 32018-01-2414 minThe Throws Doc PodcastControl and Self-EfficacyCoaching Part 2 • Commitments • Accountability • Self-Efficacy of Our Athletes2018-01-2319 minThe Throws Doc PodcastBackground About CoachingRoutine and Rituals • Control • Coach Life • You never know2018-01-2318 minThe Throws Doc PodcastWinning vs. Goal-AchievementWinning vs. Goal-Achievement-What is Important to You?2018-01-2204 minThe Throws Doc PodcastIntroduction About CoachingIntroduction About Coaching2018-01-2204 min