University Of Tampa To Host Free Track & Field Clinic

Todd Grasley

The University of Tampa Spartans will host their 1st Annual Free Track & Field Clinic presented by Asics on Sunday, January 15th, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.. The event is open to all track and field athletes, parents, coaches and siblings.

According to the press release, "the clinic will provide area athletes and coaches an exciting opportunity to hear world-class motivational speakers on various track and field topics including competition preparation, mental toughness, nutrition athletes and injury prevention.  Attendees will also receive special discounts on ASICS shoes and apparel, free lunch drinks and special giveaways."

The guest panel includes four Olympians, one top level college coach, and two strength and conditioning coaches. 

Jim Spivey

HS:  1977: xc 3-miles = 14:00, 2 miles=9:00, 1978: #1 HS 880y (1:50.2) and #2 in the mile (4:06), Bronze Medalist in 1500 in World Championships 1987.  Made the first 5 world championships teams.  3 time Olympian 1500 (1988,1992,1996).  Personal Bests:  800 m -- 1:46.5 (1982),1000 m -- 2:16.54 (1984)1500 m -- 3:31.01 (1988)Mile -- 3:49.80 (1986)2000 m -- 4:52.44 (1987, American record)3000 m -- 7:37.04 (1993)5000 m -- 13:15.86 (1994)

John Gregoriak

A distance runner for Georgetown, the NYAC, and Team Adidas. In addition to the 1984 Olympics, he competed in the 1981 World University Games steeplechase and the 1987 World Championships 5K. He also made the US team that did not compete at the 1980 Olympic Games.  Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:35.3 (1982); Mile – 3:51.34 (1982); 2 miles – 8:39.96i (1982); 5000 – 13:17.44 (1987); 10000 – 29:31.4 (1981); 3000S – 8:18.45 (1984).

Rey Robinson

Rey was runner-up in the 1972 Olympic Trials 100 meters, and his time equaled the world record. Personal Bests: 100 – 10.26 (1976) (9.9h (1972)); 220y – 20.8 (1974).

Kemel Thompson

Former USF All-American in the 400h.  He made 4 world championships teams while making 2 Olympic teams in 2000 & 2004 where he finished 9th in both.  His personal best time is 48.05 seconds, achieved in London in 2003

Bob Braman

HS: 1977 graduate of Chamberlin HS.  14:39 xc (3 miles), 9:20 (2miles).  USF coach from 1984-1999 (won numberous Sun Belt Titles, Metro Conference, and Conference USA championships.  Coached 2 time NCAA 5K champ at USF.  Since at FSU 1999-present has led FSU to numerous ACC titles, and three NCAA track titles. Personal Bests: 14:20 (5k), 29:53 (10k)

Eric Hall

Certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Hall has trained four national championship teams at UT (2006 & 2007 Baseball, 2006 Volleyball, 2007 Women's Soccer).  A graduate of U. of Tampa, and a former Airborne Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division 1997-2000.  He is currently a nationally ranked duathlete, while ranking first in the state of Florida.

Vern Gembetta

Considered the Founding Father of Functional Sports Training,Track & Field:
Specializes in Coaching Multi-Events, Decathlon and Heptathlon. Consultant coach for Nike Oregon Project. Edited Track Technique, the technical journal of USA Track & Field. Associate editor of the IAAF technical journal, New Studies in Athletic. Co-founder of USA Track & Field coaching education program


Related Coverage