GREAT FALLS – As August approaches, Montana high school athletes can see that date circled on their calendar. Aug. 16 is the first day of practice for most fall sports, but for coaches, the season might as well start now.
The 52nd annual Montana Coaches Association clinic kicked off at Great Falls CMR Wednesday morning. Hundreds of high school and college coaches and administrators from around the state made their way to Great Falls to learn from former athletes, doctors and each other on everything from Xs and Os to mental toughness training. It signals the start of a new year in Montana sports, and MCA executive eirector Don Olsen said it’s nice to have the gathering every summer.
“Just the camaraderie, the re-acquainting with old friends and coaches and stuff, plus just an opportunity to give back to the coaching profession -- some of those things I was able to take advantage of when I was a young coach,” Olsen said. “Even our older coaches, some of the new ideas and new technology that they’re using is just amazing. You always learn something, you always meet new people and make new friends. It’s just a great opportunity.”
