LetsRun.com wrote:
Earlier today, Track and Field News realized that USATF was advertising for a national relays coach. We contacted USATF and they've confirmed they are looking for a new coach. “USATF’s National Relay Coach position goes through the end of each Olympic year and then reopens,†Jill Geer wrote in an email to LetsRun.com. “Per that normal cycle, the position is open.â€
http://www.letsrun.com/news/2017/01/dennis-mitchell-no-longer-usatfs-head-relay-coach/Let's hope the US doesn't continue to botch the 4 x 100 or we won't know whom to blame. ;)
Its never really been about the head coach no matter who it is.
Its about our structure for pulling a team together and obligations post selection for relay practices. Team is put together after championships trials. Process gives limited time to practice as a team. Individuals prioritize individual events and practice towards those events vs relay.
Practices that are done are with pool athletes that didn't qualify in individual events.
How can we improve? Look at Chinese and Japanese teams, they select months in advance and are required to practice as a team. Their results with slower athletes show how it can work to be medalists.
one option- Maybe our top three are given an ultimatum make practice or your not on the relay team.
We take places 4-8 as the team. Top three are alternates.