Working with United States' shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throwers at last week's World Championships proved to be one of the highlights of Gary Schwartz's professional career.
"I get chills just thinking about it," Schwartz, Kansas University's 12th year track/cross country coach, said of his recent experience in Sevilla, Spain. "It was an awesome experience taking part in the Super Bowl of track and field."
U.S. weight throwers C.J. Hunter and Anthony Washington won the shot put and discus, respectively.
"I can't explain how much fun it is to be around elite athletes. It's almost like working with colleagues," Schwartz said. "Confidence is less a problem with these guys, but even they have their own demons and doubts. For the most part they can pull themselves out of any death spiral they might get into."
Working for the U.S. could someday translate into an Olympic coaching post for Schwartz.
"It's a steppingstone in that direction. They usually progress up through some of the other meets. World championships is considered the step below being on the Olympic staff," Schwartz explained.
Schwartz turned KU's cross country program over to assistant Theo Hamilton in his absence. The squad has been working out daily in preparation for Saturday's opener at Southern Illinois.
"All the ingredients are there on the men's side," Schwartz said. "We have good front runners and good depth."
Senior Brian Jensen is the top returnee. Other potential point producers: Kevin McGinn, Andy Tate, Charlie Gruber, Brent Behrens, Brian Blachly, Pete Prince, Mark Menefee and Paul Bartlett.
Senior Diane Heffernan leads the women's team. Others include Sara Brinkley, Courtney Deutsch, Katy Eisenmenger, Carly Kimbrough, Bridget Morrissey, Kim Bratton and Lawrence High grad Keely Malone.
" We have a strong front runner in Diane Heffernan with a strong sophomore group and some talented freshmen," Schwartz said. Roster, schedule in scoreboard.
-- Gary Bedore's phone number is 832-7186. His e-mail address is gbedore@ljworld.com
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