Coach Ryan Hershberger
Hometown : Clay Center, KS
College : Kansas State
Events: Shot put, discus
Hometown : Clay Center, KS
College : Kansas State
Events: Shot put, discus
"The first time I threw a shot put was when I was 7 years old. It was at the youth track meet in Minneapolis, Kansas. I can't recall how I did, but that was the start of being hooked on throwing and competing for the next 16 years of my life. I eventually had the opportunity to compete in college at Kansas State, and track just never stopped being fun for me. Sure, there were ups and downs to competition. Plenty of wins and losses. But it was always fun.
I guess that's the biggest reason why I enjoy coaching youth, because they are having so much fun learning and competing in a sport. That, and they're learning valuable lessons about working hard, respecting their competition, and even respecting themselves. I think young people who learn those lessons become better adults.
I have some good stories from track. I've met former world record holders. I've thrown against an Olympic gold medalist. I've seen some truly remarkable performances. But in the end it's all been about the friends you make, getting through tough workouts together, cheering for each other succeed, and the fun times you've had. I hope that is something I could impart on youth athletes."
I guess that's the biggest reason why I enjoy coaching youth, because they are having so much fun learning and competing in a sport. That, and they're learning valuable lessons about working hard, respecting their competition, and even respecting themselves. I think young people who learn those lessons become better adults.
I have some good stories from track. I've met former world record holders. I've thrown against an Olympic gold medalist. I've seen some truly remarkable performances. But in the end it's all been about the friends you make, getting through tough workouts together, cheering for each other succeed, and the fun times you've had. I hope that is something I could impart on youth athletes."