A new, but exciting track honor
Linda Lanker has been there, done that, when it comes to coaching track and field — especially the hurdles and sprints — at the junior (age 18 and below) level.
Head coach of the U.S. team at the Pan-American Games — she did that last year in Peru.
Being on the scoring committee at the U.S. Olympic Trials — she’s done that as well.
This time, it will be a new setting, new kids and totally new event.
LANKER WAS recently named head coach of the U.S. senior level (age 19 and older) women’s track and field team for the inauguaral Athletics World Cup in London July 14-15 at London Stadium.
“I just feel like I’m blessed to be asked,” Lanker said. “When they ask someone to do it, if they say no, they probably don’t get to do it again.”
Running events up to the 1,500-meter run, and all throwing events will be contested during the event, which matches the top eight countries in track and field. Each country will be allowed one male and one female entrant per event.
“Just to get to travel and be a part of this is great,” Lanker said. “I’ve always wanted to go to London, but never been. It just keeps me active and in track and field.”
The country with the most combined men’s and women’s points will win the Cup.
Lanker will also be in charge of the team’s sprints and hurdle events.
“This will be the first time with a senior team for me,” Lanker said. “It keeps me in track and field, gives me a chance to work with the kids. It’s exciting because these are the best of the best. As long as they want me to do it, I’ll keep doing it.”
Teams from Great Britain, South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica will also compete in London.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Lanker said. “I feel really honored to get to do this.”
FOR NOW, Lanker will keep her focus on the local level, serving as hurdles coach at Coeur d’Alene High, as well as coaching hurdles at the Community Colleges of Spokane.
“I just really help moving the kids forward and helping them get better,” Lanker said.
After last week’s showing at the Christina Finney Relays in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene junior Nate Burch has the fastest 5A time in Idaho in the 110-meter hurdles at 14.38 seconds.
Coeur d’Alene senior Brooke McClurkin, also coached by Lanker, is nearing signing with NAIA Lewis-Clark State.
“With Nate, we’ll have another year together, so to see him get better and seeing our local kids continue to do so well is a huge bonus for me,” Lanker said.
Lanker estimates she’s had 11 athletes move on to the Division I level from the past nine years at Coeur d’Alene.
“From my time coaching at the national level, I’ve been able to build a good relationship with a lot of Division I coaches,” Lanker said. “Because of my involvement at the junior level, I’ve coached on five different national teams. When I see them, they’re asking what kids they can bring in to their program. That’s another reason I keep doing it is the relationship I’ve made with them through track and field.”
And as far as slowing down now?
“I’m 62 years old now,” Lanker said. “My husband keeps saying that I’m going to coach until my hair is totally white. Maybe I will. But I really enjoy helping these kids.”
Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at (208) 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter @JECdAPress.