‘I do not know of a stronger group of coaches’: Total Sports Development summer track program gearing up for second year

After a strong first year, which included activities such as Speed Night and practices for local athletes to sharpen their skills in various competitions, Total Sports Development (TSD) has announced its coaching staff and opened registration for its six-week program this summer at Yelm Middle School.

The summer program will be “development focused and athletic centered” and include practices for activities such as short and long sprints, horizontal jumping, long distance running, discus, shot put, and javelin. Children can be registered for summer classes on TotalSD.org. Practices will occur from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at YMS on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning June 2 and concluding July 11.

Program coach Alex McIntire, who also coaches Yelm High School’s cross country team and is a long distance coach for the track team, told the Nisqually Valley News on Monday, April 28, that athletes of all abilities can have access to “elite training” throughout this summer.

“I do not know of a stronger group of coaches leading inclusive off season work. I think that this is really something special, and I am grateful to be a part of it,” McIntire said.

TSD announced last week that its coaching staff for the summer track program will include McIntire, who’s led the YHS cross country team to five state competition appearances since 2017; Louis D’Andra, who is a USATF Level II certified coach in jumps and throws; Michael Dallas, the current spring and hurdles coach at Evergreen State College and former Capital High School head track and field coach; Mike Strong, in his 59th year of coaching, including three years at the “elite post college” level and 15 years coaching collegiately; and Trevontay Smith, a YHS alumni who currently jumps on the University of Washington track and field team.

“I am really excited about this year’s crew of coaches. They bring decades of experience. Each coach has been able to create a winning culture among athletes in their past coaching experiences through their dedication to athletes and passion for the sport. You can feel the energy and positivity each coach brings, and that energy will be contagious among young people in our area,” McIntire said. “Four of our coaches bring head track and field coach experience, and two of our coaches have found great success coaching at the collegiate level. We also have coaches that have led local clubs. This will allow us to effectively coach athletes from beginner to elite levels. We also have coaching support from coaches who specialize in students with special needs, allowing for a truly inclusive experience.”

McIntire said the purpose of TSD’s summer track program is to create additional support, training and racing opportunities for athletes of “various abilities.” He described this summer’s training sessions as being development focused with each of the athletes’ individual needs prioritized.

“TSD coaches are members of a collaboration project with local school programs to ensure that track and field is elevated to a higher level. What we are really trying to do here is elevate track and field in our area by extending elite experiences to athletes of all abilities,” he said. “We have intentionally kept the price low so that as many kids as possible can have access to high quality coaching. This clinic is development focused. Summer gives us the luxury of not having to compete, and truly work on what is best for the individual athlete in the long run.”

According to McIntire, getting last year’s summer track clinic “off the ground” was a great experience. The coach said the majority of the team’s athletes were middle school aged or younger, and that it was great to offer these track and field opportunities, which didn’t exist locally before, to the area’s younger athletes.

“All of our athletes worked very hard during the six-week clinic and showed tremendous growth,” McIntire said. “This year we are advancing the TSD summer track experience in every way. Our highly qualified coaches can now offer more event areas. Last year was mostly speed and endurance based, but now we can offer throws and hurdle development as well. Now that we have more coaches joining us, athletes will get a much better individualized experience that can more effectively meet their track and field goals.”

The coach added this year’s summer schedule will emphasize training over competition – although athletes will be encouraged to take part in various summer open invitationals.

The program will also host the second annual TSD Speed Night on the evening of July 11, according to McIntire.

“I am expecting a great turnout. Seeing athletes of all ages and abilities competing last year in our invite was the highlight of the summer,” McIntire said. “Every single TSD athlete showed incredible growth during the 6 week training period. I want to see more families out! I’m calling on all moms, dads and grandparents to join the fun.”