Hansen PREP Talks

In Episode 003, we have the pleasure of speaking with sprint coach and speed consultant, Justin Wickard. The bulk of Justin’s career has been as a university Track and Field coach providing instruction in sprints, hurdles and relays. However, Justin has made a profound career change stepping away from the college sport environment and entering the world of private business, offering his expertise to athletes outside of a school-based setting. The timing of his career pivot could not be at a more tenuous time – during a global pandemic – which speaks to his passion, dedication and confidence around the choice that he has made. While we spend a lot of time discussing the importance of learning and education in preparing us for our careers, sometimes jumping into a scenario with both feet and learning by doing is one of the most expedient means of growing your experience and testing your competence. Justin’s story is a perfect example of imposing situational learning on oneself to drive growth and success. While Justin’s choice is not necessarily the path for the risk averse, it does provide us with the motivation to explore other options for career development, personal growth and continuing education outside of conventional methods.

Justin Wickard is the owner and operator of Tier1Athlete, LLC based in Fort Worth, Texas. He has previously worked as an assistant coach for the track and field team at the US Air Force Academy. Wickard, who joined the Falcons’ staff in October 2018, was in charge of developing the Academy’s sprinters and hurdlers. Wickard previously worked for five seasons at TCU as a sprints and hurdles coach. In his final season with the Horned Frogs, Wickard helped guide the men’s 4x400-meter relay to an indoor time of 3:04.25 that broke a 34-year-old school record, and saw Derrick Mokaleng break the outdoor school record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 45.02. During his tenure in Fort Worth, he also had the opportunity to help coach Ronnie Baker, who was the top 100-meter sprinter in the world at one point during the 2018 season. Prior to joining TCU, Wickard served on the coaching staffs at Louisiana Tech, North Carolina, Chadron State and Texas Tech. Wickard is a 2006 graduate of Utah State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis in health and wellness. A member of the Aggies’ track and field team, he was a three-time West Region qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles and advanced to the NCAA Championships in that event. In addition, he competed at in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2006 USA Indoor Championships.

You can find out more information on Justin Wickard via the following links:

Website: https://tier1athlete.leagueapps.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tier1athlete

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tier1athlete_/

Hansen PREP Talks podcast is currently available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:

Spreaker.com – https://www.spreaker.com/show/hansen-prep-talks

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hansen-prep-talks/id1546480493?uo=4

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4O8UUEFBL8gZhRADzQLdEL

Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDcyMDcxNC9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk


You can reach and follow Derek M. Hansen at the following locations:

http://www.SprintCoach.com
http://www.RunningMechanics.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/derekmhansen/
YouTube - http://youtube.com/derekmhansen

In Episode 002 of the Hansen PREP Talks, we sit down with veteran coach and performance professional, Bob Alejo. Because of Bob’s extensive experience throughout the world of athletic performance and Strength & Conditioning, he offers both a broad and transparent view on all topics related to education, professional development and career management in the sport performance world. We discuss the impact that the global pandemic has had on sports in general and how coaches – young and old – may be taking pause to examine their current career path, as well as choices around education and growth. For the younger generation of coaches, Bob emphasizes the need to manage your financial situation first and foremost. Decisions around internships, volunteer work and entry level positions must be evaluated with both career and life goals in mind. While we all have had aspirations about working at the highest levels of performance, a pragmatic approach to career development and financial security must also be part of the decision making process. Coach Alejo also stresses the importance of continually expanding and maintaining a network of professional peers and mentors to not only help guide your decision making, but also serve as references for career opportunities. The value of the recommendations provided by Coach Alejo cannot be understated in the current and post-pandemic environment.

Bob Alejo is currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director of Strength and Conditioning at California State University Northridge. Previously, he was the Director of Sports Science for Power Lift, where he handled the day-to-day discussion about athletic performance and the science surrounding it. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant AD/Director of Strength and Conditioning at North Carolina State from 2011-17 where he served the entire Wolfpack athletic department and was part of two NCAA Sweet Sixteen teams in men's basketball. From 2009-2011, Coach Alejo served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Oakland Athletics, a position he also held from 1993-2001 which included the Moneyball period. During his 12-year role he was responsible for all aspects of the organization's year-round physical preparation at both the major league and minor league levels. Prior to rejoining the A's, Alejo was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at UC Santa Barbara from 2005-2008. From 1984-1993, Alejo served as a strength and conditioning coach at UCLA where he worked with 23 men's and women's teams. During his tenure in Westwood, the Bruins racked up 25 national championships and produced more than 100 All-Americans.

You can find out more information on Bob Alejo via the following links:

CSUN Website: https://gomatadors.com/staff-directory/bob-alejo/283

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/coachbobalejo/

Instagram: https://twitter.com/Coach_Alejo


Hansen PREP Talks podcast is currently available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:

Spreaker.com – https://www.spreaker.com/show/hansen-prep-talks

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hansen-prep-talks/id1546480493?uo=4

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4O8UUEFBL8gZhRADzQLdEL

Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDcyMDcxNC9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk


You can reach and follow Derek M. Hansen at the following locations:

http://www.SprintCoach.com
http://www.RunningMechanics.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/derekmhansen/
YouTube - http://youtube.com/derekmhansen

In our very first Episode of the Hansen PREP Talks podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ken Clark and Ryan Banta to talk about the science, art and education of speed and sprinting. It is a topic near and dear to all of our hearts and we wanted to efficiently cover all relevant issues within this session. We first talk about recent research into areas around acceleration and resisted running and how the research should be properly evaluated and applied with the various populations of athletes. Then we cover other areas of research around achieving maximum velocities in running. We also discuss technologies involved in research and coaching including footwear, use of treadmills and other evaluation methods.

Dr. Ken Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Ken's research focuses on the underlying mechanical factors in athletic performance and injuries. Ken teaches Biomechanics and Kinetic Anatomy at the undergraduate level and teaches Motor Learning at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Ryan Banta is an educator, coach and community leader. He has been coaching for over 20 years and is the author of The Sprinter’s Compendium. Since he started coaching in 2002, Ryan has produced 135 All-State medalists, including 10 state champions and 15 runners-up. His teams have won 12 district plaques and 5 top five state finishes in the last nine seasons. Banta was elected Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (MTCCCA) president and served on the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) advisory board.

You can find out more information on Dr. Ken Clark and Ryan Banta via the following links:

Ken Clark Website: https://www.kenclarkspeed.com/

Ken Clark Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenclarkspeed

Ken Clark Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenclarkspeed/

Ryan Banta Twitter:https://twitter.com/SprintersCompen

Ryan Banta Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ryan.banta/

Ryan Banta Book:https://www.amazon.com/Sprinters-Compendium-Ryan-J-Banta/dp/1946208566/

Hansen PREP Talks podcast is currently available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:

Spreaker.com – https://www.spreaker.com/show/hansen-prep-talks

You can reach and follow Derek M. Hansen at the following locations:

http://www.SprintCoach.com
http://www.RunningMechanics.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/derekmhansen/
YouTube - http://youtube.com/derekmhansen