1. Where LSI right now in the fall training for the sprinters and jumpers?

Well I have all sprinters and only the girls are out in training now. But We're in our first 6 week phase of general conditioning.

2. What is the general conditioning phase for the short and long sprinters as we're in mid-October?

well our season generally starts in September and with 18 week cycles of general conditioning broken up into three 6 week phases. It seems a lot more complicated then it really is but its a system that has proven generous to my athletes.

3. Does your program endure fall testing for each athlete? If so, what does the testing consist of?

Our testing usually starts 4 weeks into the 2nd 6 week phase. Where we run a series of test that I won't go into detail with but we measure their weight, height, flexibility, mobility. We do a lot of symmmetrical testing as well as speed, strength and force application testing. Our objective is to identify genetically as well as physical, weak and strong points.

4. It must be exciting to watch the improvement your athletes have made this past season. what are the plans for them to compete this indoor season?

My older girls wil compete indoors this season. For them this will be the first time but I think its important that they get exposed to high profile venues that attract the best athletes this early in the season.

5. How often are the sprinters on the track working on other aspects of their events? Are they conducting more plyometric and weight room activities?

Well we don't usually hit the track until the last week of october. Most of our time is spent in the weight room with some exceptions. However we are on the track a little early because there's some new drills I wanted to introduce. We do, do a lot of plyo work. Different variations depending on the area of developmet were working on.

6. It's fundamentally sound for sprinters to build a strong base in the fall and then work on their speed when january comes around. What are some of the workouts that your sprinters are doing right now to build such a base?

I agree the wider the base the sharper the point. except it depends on what you build that base with. Endurance is traditionally the type of base work that most coaches refer to when training in the early season. But I'm different so to some my methods are a little unconventional. But the results speak for themselves.

7. When are you comfortable for your sprinters to lace up their spikes?

Well we generally don't wear spikes in the first 6 weeks of training. I like to give my athletes time to strengthen muscle, bone and connective tissues before jumping into spikes. Everyones different though, I know some athletes who lace them up the first day without incedent. This is just what's worked for me.

8. You mentioned earlier that only the girls are out training. You have two girls "Katie Nelms and Alexandra Diaz" coming off a successful season which saw them recieve All American Honors at the Youth Nationals with Alexandra as one of the top Youth Girls in the country and Katie returning after winning the National Championship in the 400 hurdles. What do you have plan for them coming into this season?

The plan doesn't change really, its always consistent development. However the things that do change are the key areas of development. We progress from year to year to specific stages of development. So its important that our regimen progresses to accomodate these stages. I have another Bantam girl in training as well and good examples are being set for her early. I suspect these girls will do very well. They are fierce competitiors and remarkable athletes.

9. How are some of the Boys doing right now?

Awesome .... all of them are playing football right now and ironcally enough they are all starting running backs. So it appears that track has heavily influenced their success. I believe they are entering the playoff season so testosterone levels will be high. But I'll be excited to have them back once football is over with.

10. In its Junior year, What should we expect from LSI this season?

What has always been expected ... Love, Strength and Integrity ... as well as a few surprises!

To be continued ....