In Episode 003, we have the pleasure of speaking with sprint coach and speed consultant, Justin Wickard. The bulk of Justin’s career has been as a university Track and Field coach providing instruction in sprints, hurdles and relays. However, Justin has made a profound career change stepping away from the college sport environment and entering the world of private business, offering his expertise to athletes outside of a school-based setting. The timing of his career pivot could not be at a more tenuous time – during a global pandemic – which speaks to his passion, dedication and confidence around the choice that he has made. While we spend a lot of time discussing the importance of learning and education in preparing us for our careers, sometimes jumping into a scenario with both feet and learning by doing is one of the most expedient means of growing your experience and testing your competence. Justin’s story is a perfect example of imposing situational learning on oneself to drive growth and success. While Justin’s choice is not necessarily the path for the risk averse, it does provide us with the motivation to explore other options for career development, personal growth and continuing education outside of conventional methods.

Justin Wickard is the owner and operator of Tier1Athlete, LLC based in Fort Worth, Texas. He has previously worked as an assistant coach for the track and field team at the US Air Force Academy. Wickard, who joined the Falcons’ staff in October 2018, was in charge of developing the Academy’s sprinters and hurdlers. Wickard previously worked for five seasons at TCU as a sprints and hurdles coach. In his final season with the Horned Frogs, Wickard helped guide the men’s 4x400-meter relay to an indoor time of 3:04.25 that broke a 34-year-old school record, and saw Derrick Mokaleng break the outdoor school record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 45.02. During his tenure in Fort Worth, he also had the opportunity to help coach Ronnie Baker, who was the top 100-meter sprinter in the world at one point during the 2018 season. Prior to joining TCU, Wickard served on the coaching staffs at Louisiana Tech, North Carolina, Chadron State and Texas Tech. Wickard is a 2006 graduate of Utah State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis in health and wellness. A member of the Aggies’ track and field team, he was a three-time West Region qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles and advanced to the NCAA Championships in that event. In addition, he competed at in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2006 USA Indoor Championships.

You can find out more information on Justin Wickard via the following links:

Website: https://tier1athlete.leagueapps.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tier1athlete

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tier1athlete_/

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