IU EAST COACH ENJOYS NATIONAL WORKSHOP
Indiana University East assistant track and field coach Chris Buckler recently had the experience of a lifetime at the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command's Coaches Workshop.
"I was fortunate to be nominated for the program and then was selected from across the country of other coaches with head coaching pedigrees," said Buckler, who just completed his first year as the throwing coach for the Red Wolves. "Along with track and field, the other sports that were represented were cross-country, volleyball, football, wrestling, softball, rugby, soccer, and strength and conditioning and the coaches ranged from the Power 5 in Division I to Junior College Coaches.
Red Wolves Head Coach JW Maierle is excited to see what Buckler's experience will bring to the track and field program.
"It's great to see Coach Buckler to able to experience such a great event with all of his hard work in coaching for all these years," Mairle said.
IU East Director of Athletics Joe Griffin expanded on Mairle's thoughts.
"Chris has been a great addition to our coaching staff," Griffin said. "He brings a wealth of experience as well as the drive that is needed to be successful. His connections in the broader track and field community are yet another way that he is a bringing success to our department and the influence and ability he has is evident with this great honor."
One of 45 people selected for the workshop from May 10-14, Buckler attended the event at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.
"The USMC Coaches Workshop was a great experience to learn from other high-end coaches on how they handle leadership in their programs," Buckler said.
The event offered Buckler a chance to encounter things that many people may not have the opportunity to experience such as fly in an offsprey military plane and visit the president's helicopter Marine One.
"There was also a discussion on how the marines build team unity, cohesion, discipline and building a recruiting profile through your program's principles," Buckler said.
In addition to competing on the Marine Obstacle Course, Buckler learned about embassy security and how to apply it to his current position.
"The ability to go through the Marines Officer Leadership Program and learn leadership skills under pressure, organization, and team management was the opportunity of a lifetime," Buckler said.
Speakers discussing leadership topics during the program were from the Home Depot, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Government.
"During the four-day workshop we were able to attempt high-pressure team scenarios," Buckler said. "We had to develop our own leadership style, collaborate with coaches on team building and recruiting, while experiencing the decision-making analysis that is required of leaders."
Source: https://www.iueredwolves.com/article/7189
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