Athletes listen as UVA Wise coach Andrew Howard provides instruction during Southern Gap High School’s three-day cross-country and track-and-field clinic at Nelson Memorial Field in Grundy. The guest coach worked with students on techniques for sprinting, distance running and field events while helping them prepare for the upcoming season.
Southern Gap High School’s inaugural cross-country and track-and-field clinic wrapped up last week.
The three-day clinic, held from July 6 to July 8 at Nelson Memorial Field in Grundy, was for students in grades six through and instructed runners in distance running, sprinting, jumping and throwing events. Participants also benefited from guest instruction by UVA Wise cross country and track and field coach Andrew Howard, who led specialized training sessions throughout the camp.
About 15 athletes attended the clinic, taking advantage of workouts designed to build fundamentals while preparing for the upcoming school year. Although several students were still on summer vacations or attending other sports camps, organizers were encouraged by the turnout and enthusiasm.
Southern Gap cross country and track and field coach Christina Bane said the clinic provided exactly the kind of early-season foundation the coaching staff hoped to establish.
“Our XCTF athletes had a great opportunity to jump-start their seasons with work ranging from sprints to distance to throws,” Bane said. “We had about 15 athletes take advantage of workouts featuring sessions from UVA Wise Coach Howard. It was great to see the turnout in the summer with quite a few still on vacations and participating in other sports clinics. We have some exciting young athletes coming up to add to our veterans.”
Coaches focused on teaching proper technique, conditioning and event-specific fundamentals while also giving younger athletes an opportunity to work alongside returning athletes.
Participants in Southern Gap High School’s three-day cross-country and track-and-field clinic perform squats during a strength-and-conditioning workout at Nelson Memorial Field in Grundy. The clinic gave students an opportunity to build fitness and improve their skills ahead of the Eagles’ inaugural season.
Southern Gap High School cross-country and track-and-field athletes take part in push-up exercises during the Eagles’ three-day summer clinic at Nelson Memorial Field in Grundy. The camp focused on conditioning, strength training and event-specific instruction to help prepare athletes for the upcoming season.
