I’m probably naive, but I think masters athletes who coach have some kind of built-in advantage. While we desk jockeys toil for eight hours a day, coaches are outdoors training with their kids. One part-time coach is M40 national champion Richard Holmes. And his prize pupil is one of the best under-18 girl hurdlers in the world — Kori Carter, a junior at Claremont High School in stromectol Southern California. Kori is the nation’s top-ranked prep 100 hurdler (13.67) and 300/400 hurdler (41.09 and 59.89). See her in this video. I interviewed Richard by email recently, and he says: “High schools NEED good coaches! Just ask them. (But) most are so low in pay, that you must do it for the love of it.”

Tattoo on Richard’s shoulder shows a bulldog crossing a hurdle.

Here’s a quickie Q&A with Richard, who also organized the masters hurdles exhibition race at the Mt. SAC Relays last month:

Masterstrack.com: How long have you coached Kori? (One story says she’s coached by Eugene Bramble.)

Richard: This is week No. 25 that I’ve been working with Kori. Eugene was her coach while she was a member of the California Cheetahs. I actually worked with Eugene during his senior year at Walnut High School.

How much demonstrating do you do for Kori and others?

With Kori, very, very little demonstrating is needed. She’s a special athlete because all I have to do is provide her with the technical issues that may be present and she’s able to understand get stromectol the concepts and put them to use. As for other athletes I have worked with and currently work with, yes, being able to actually show an athlete what I’m trying to explain — and perform it correctly — makes it much easier to grasp the concepts.

Are you a full-time coach at Claremont or an assistant? What’s your main job?

No. I consider myself a hired gun. I make my services available to those who are seeking high quality track and field training. Being a high school coach is a totally different ball game and I respect those coaches for what they do. Managing a large group of athletes is a special skill and admittedly, I do not have that skill when it comes to teaching track and field. I thank the coaches at Claremont High for allowing Kori to work with me.

My bread and butter job is working as a U.S. Western Region sales representative for a plastics manufacturer out of Mexico, Missouri. The name of the company is Continental Products. Our main product probably lands on your garage pavement every day — we’re the largest provider of plastic poly bags for newspaper industry. We even handle the printing, distribution, media buying, etc. for xanax the advertising side of that business, too. So those sample bags, coupon bags and retail sales announcements bags may also be from us, too.

Kori also plays volleyball and basketball. Can she be weaned from these sports — or are they good for her track career?

This is Kori’s first year without playing basketball, which has been a huge advantage. She made a commitment to be the best she could be as a hurdler, and  playing basketball just didn’t fit into that plan. I’m proud that she’s mature enough to understand the gift she was given and what it takes to reach her full potential. Hey, 13.67, 41.09 and 59.89 speaks for itself.

Do you travel with Kori to major meets? Did you go to Poland for Junior Worlds?

No, I do not travel to the major events, but I do try my best to make it to as many meets as I can. Kori is blessed with wonderful parents (Bruce and Lima Carter) who do all possible to travel with Kori and to provide her with the opportunities to compete.

 What are your own all-time PRs?

110HH 13.79w 110HH, Modesto, 1992 14.01, Fresno Relays, 1996 14.07, Azusa Pacific, 2003 (34 years old) US. Masters Champ 2003 and 2008. 400IH 53.3, American River College 1988.

How would you advise elite masters athletes (or even not-so-elite) on getting assistant coach jobs?

High schools NEED good coaches! Just ask them. Most are so low in pay that you must do it for the love of it. I can’t be a full time high school assistant coach because of my sales job commitments.

What are Kori’s chances for the 2012 Trials?

It’s tough to say, because she’s pretty good at both hurdle races. She will have to make a decision of which one she will want to take on. As you know, the 100H and  the 400LH do not compliment one another. But if she focuses on one discipline, I believe she will do it. She is so young, and has the perfect frame to build power and explosiveness, that her track future is very bright!

What are your own competitive plans this summer?

Well, because coaching and injuries, I really haven’t had the opportunity to compete. I’m in good shape and hoping to get soma my first race in at the Pacific Championships in Sacramento on June 14. Then, defending the 110HH (40-44) National title in Oshkosh. I’ll have my hands full with Rod Jett and Don Drummond, but I WILL be ready and it will be a fast and competitive race. I can’t wait!

Kori Carter is a good bet to win California state titles in both hurdles.