Indiana University Athletics
First-Year Coach Leading Throwers into Big Tens
5/12/2015 9:55:00 AM | Track and Field
When Cory Martin's throwers are in the circle, the first-year throwing coach is all-business.
He doesn't say much during competitions. He'll normally give a word or two of advice right before one of his six throwers--four men and two women--take their turn. He doesn't want them overthinking. They need to focus.
Martin is on a mission in his first season with IU. He sees an opportunity to make throwing one of Indiana's strengths.
"We're trying to raise the bar for this track program," Martin said. "I'm just trying to do my part with the throws."
Indiana isn't at that point quite yet, but Martin admitted even he's surprised by how much growth there has been in his first year.
The 2014-15 season has been highlighted by a number of personal bests and a few records--and then re-breaking those records again--along the way.
But heading into this weekend's Big Ten Championships, Martin, a Bloomington native and World Championship competitor, said there's still work to be done. The Auburn graduate is still navigating his team through growing pains as best he can.
Building the throwing program is a process that started months ago in the weight room. It doesn't just change overnight.
"Cory understands the development," Helmer said. "He understands how to get people where they need to get. He understands how to place demands on people and keep them engaged with what's going on by placing demands on people and not losing them. He's done a lot."
One of the larger obstacles the team has faced is its inexperience.
All but one of the six throwers are underclassmen. Some have been learning new events along the way while also adjusting to a new coach.
But while the inexperience can sometimes prompt growing pains, it's also a sign of building strength.
Sophomore Nakel McClinton has already twice set school outdoor records in the hammer throw this season. Her most recent record came at the Billy Hayes Invitational on May 2 where she won the event with a throw of 60.81 meters.
McClinton thought she had more in the tank, too. She didn't like her finish on the record throw and said her goal is to reach 65 meters at nationals.
"We've gotten a lot stronger," McClinton said. "We never take it easy. (I just need to) keep working harder because I'm still not where I want to be yet."
On the men's side, Andrew Miller has emerged as a lead thrower in his redshirt freshman season along with sophomore Dyrek Chowning.
Miller said one of the throwers' strengths is the bond the throwers share. The men and women both work closely together and are there to cheer each other on during competitions.
"It's good to be in and out with the same people every day and it's good to be battling with the same people every day," Miller said. "We're all close. We're best friends and it's always good to be around friends when you're throwing at such a competitive level."
The throwers haven't taken the last few training days heading into Big Ten competition lightly.
The day after the Billy Hayes Invitational, the throwers were all back in the gym getting work in. They're all searching for that extra meter or two with hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Regional.
Martin said even he's been surprised by the gains his throwers have made this season. But he's not slowing down any time soon.
This year is just the beginning, and the Big Tens are waiting.
"If you would have asked me a year ago how well we would have done, I wouldn't have said this well at all," Martin said. "I'm pleased by that, but I know that there is a lot more there, judging by their practice throws and what I've seen. That's what we've got to keep going with."
