Why TFC-Tampa?
By: Rob Assise, Homewood-Flossmoor High School
I have attended all seven Track Football Consortiums. I am extremely lucky to live a half hour from where they have been held. When I heard there would be one in Tampa, I started searching for flights, and, as husbands do, formulated a plan to ensure a good time to ask my wife if I could abandon the family (daughter 4 years-old, son 20 months-old) to quench my obsession with all things speed.
My wife is extremely tolerant with my obsession. In addition to the two TFCs each year, I also attend the phenomenal ITCCCA clinic. Beyond these, there always tends to be additional professional development experiences I find my way into each year along with what I read, write, listen, watch, and test in regards to enhancing athletic performance. There’s no question she thinks I am crazy, and she is not wrong in her assessment.
In the end, with TFC 8 (Chicago) being a week before, I determined it would be in my family’s best interest to miss my first TFC. With that being said, I have seen six of the ten presenters in person (most of them multiple times). If you live in SEC country and you are on the fence about attending TFC Tampa, here is some additional information about the speakers which may sway you in the direction of attending. I guarantee you will not regret it!
Tony Holler
Coach Holler is an open book. He shares everything he does with his athletes in the 175 articles he has written, and has been on a mission to spread his thoughts to a larger audience presenting around the country. His articles are incredible resources, but to hear him speak his message takes everything to another level. Even if you are familiar with the “Feed the Cats” philosophy, you will learn something from Tony. He is a master at presenting. He knows how to work a crowd and keep people engaged. I think I have seen his “Feed the Cats” presentation at least three times, I’ve enjoyed it all three.
Chris Korfist
I mentioned my wife being tolerant to my obsession, but Chris Korfist’s wife is on a level all her own. The personal equipment he has in his gym is mind-boggling. I have seen Chris speak over twenty times, and every time I am reminded that he is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. He very well could be the most creative sprint coach in the world.
Ken Clark
To my knowledge, there is not a person who encompasses a better combination of sport science and in-the-trenches-coaching than Dr. Clark. His sessions at TFC -7 were incredible. In his classroom presentation, he was able to break down complicated research into material everyone in the room could understand. In his on-the-field demonstration, his enthusiasm for cultivating speed was tangible. No one wears the two hats of hard research and coaching better than Dr. Clark.
Dan Fichter
If you are interested in the role of the nervous system in athletic performance, Coach Fichter is the man to see. If you aren’t interested in the role of the nervous system, you really, really need to see Coach Fichter speak. Dan leaves no stone unturned in his quest for enhancing athletic performance and is an incredible resource for items which enhance performance immediately. If you are in the hunt for a rabbit hole to research, Dan will give you eight.
Steve Jones
At TFC-6, Coach Jones gave what is regarded by many as the best presentation in TFC history. Unfortunately for me, I was presenting in another room! He kicked off TFC-7 with an engaging presentation on RPR Leadership. It was immediately apparent why the football program he serves has won 81 out of its last 82 games.
Alec Holler
Alec has coached some of the best hurdlers in Illinois history. In 2017, state record-holder Travis Anderson (13.59) drew a lot of attention, but I was more impressed with his work with Matt Griebe who went from barely making the sectional roster to placing 3rd at state (14.35). Griebe did not have blazing speed, but was rock solid technically. We all don’t have a Travis Anderson roaming our halls, but we may have some Matt Griebes. Alec does a wonderful job presenting the essentials of hurdling to maximize what your hurdlers have been given.
“The Others”
I have not seen Ron Grigg speak, but I have read many of his resources on Complete Track and Field. I am sad I will miss seeing someone with the depth and breadth of knowledge of Coach Grigg.
When I heard there would be a TFC in Tampa, I thought, “They should get John Garrish to speak.” I have never met Coach Garrish, but he is one of my favorite follows on social media. Turns out my suggestion wasn’t needed because he was the first guest speaker announced!
Looking at the topics of their presentations, I am sure Trevor Anderson and Al Leslie (a TFC veteran) will not disappoint.
Bottom Line
Get to TFC-Tampa! There are TFC fingerprints all over our program, and I am sure it will be the same for yours after you attend!
TFC-Information, Hotels, Schedule, Tickets
Email tony.holler@yahoo.com with questions.
