Kep and Jenny B

The best runner to ever come from Webster City, IA (Coach Kep's hometown)...Jenny Barringer (2008 Olympian, American Record Holder, multiple NCAA record holder, and multiple time NCAA champion) with Coach Kepler after winning the inaugural Bowerman Award as the best female collegiate track athlete for the 2009 season.

Track/XC Coaches Convention Update

I was in Orlando, FL over the last five days attending the National Track/Cross Country Coaches Association Convention. It was held at an amazing resort (JW Marriott) not far from Disney World. The weather was great most of the time, but our meetings, symposiums, clinics, and meals limited our free time. It was great to reconnect with several of my colleagues, including my college track/xc coach, Chris Bucknam, who is now the head men's track/xc coach at the U of Arkansas.

The clinics and symposiums were all very informative. As usual the Hall of Fame banquet was excellent and the honorees were very deserving individuals. A new event was held this year to honor the top female and top male collegiate track & field performer from the previous spring season. It is our sports version of the "Heisman Trophy" called "The Bowerman". It is named...of course, for the late Bill Bowerman who was the architect of the great Oregon programs of the 60's and 70's, the coach of legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine, and one of the original founders of Nike.

*I actually visited the home where Bowerman and his Nike Co-founder (current CEO) Phil Knight signed the first contract that started Nike. I visited this home during the 2008 US Olympic Trials. The home is owned by the Jaqua Family. John Jacqua (like Knight) was a former athlete of Bowerman's who they hired as an attorney for their partnership. The Jaqua's residence is the neighboring ranch next to Bowerman's along the McKenzie River just north of Eugene, OR.

I've included a video...sorry if the quality is poor...of Jenny Barringer as she is announced as the initial female winner of the Bowerman at this years convention. Barringer competed for the US in the '08 Olympics and holds the American Record in the 3K Steeplechase. She has also won several NCAA individual championships and various other awards. However, maybe the most interesting fact for me personally is that she was born and lived in my hometown until she was seven years old. (So much for any argument about the best distance runner from Webster City, Iowa:) Enjoy. I will also post a picture from that ceremony in the coming days. She is such a fantastic and gracious person. Congrats to Jenny!

My Break

Yes, even coaches get Christmas Break! Mine actually starts with another week of work, but that week includes time in San Diego and Orlando :) Of course, the forecast in SD and Orlando is for rain :( At least the temps look decent (60's in SD and 70/80 in FL). From there it is off to home (Iowa) for the Christmas holiday to see the family. I haven't been home since July so it will be nice (other than the cold temps and snow) to get back. Hopefully, the weather will be much nicer than the below zero wind chill and blizzard conditions they have had this week.

Our team will be in final exams next week which I don't like to miss, but the National Track Coaches Convention in Florida is a major event within our sport. Good luck to all of our hardworking student athletes and congrats to the freshmen for surviving their first semester of college. Best wishes and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Get Up!

A small taste of jumps practice (with the throwers in the background) in our sweet "gym" of a practice facility. My uncle Wendell would be proud that play on words :) Have a great day!