Andrew Fasano
Staff Writer
In the Fall, a “Blessing” was bestowed upon Costa’s track and field team. Ex-olympic trials runner, Blessing Ufodiama, joined the coaching staff in attempt to share some of her experience with Costa athletes.
In the beginning of the year, head track coach Maurice Russell hired Ufodiama to help the Mustangs improve in the jumps category. Coach Blessing Ufodiama has had a number of coaching jobs in the South Bay, but has just recently joined the Mustang’s staff.
“When joining the Mustang’s I was most excited to help a group of jumpers eager to learn new techniques,” Ufodiama said. “I look forward to bringing my knowledge that I’ve gained from competing at an elite level, to group of high school jumpers looking to improve in all categories.
Photos: New track coach Blessing Ufodiama organizes new warm-up drills.
Prior to joining the team, Coach Ufodiama worked around the Los Angeles county in schools like Else Allen high school, West Torrance High school, and Santa Rosa Junior College. Ufodiama came across the job at Costa by speaking with Coach Russell after one of her private trainings.
Video: New track coach, Blessing Ufodiama, has face to face interview regarding her previous visits to the Olympics, in 2014. Ufodiama has won a gold medal in the olympics in the past 2 olympic events.
“I’m glad I made this move because the students are respectful and take direction well and are eager to learn,” Ufodiama said. “The staff’s been wonderful and have great communication and respect for each other and the fact that they truly care about the kids improving is just fantastic.”
Coach Ufodiama has changed a lot of the formwork from the team’s everyday routine. They now focus on strengthening their feet and legs by doing skips fast-paced and skips while walking which helps build up a better form. Junior runner Scarlett Elias believes that since Ufodiama been coaching at Costa, their speed has improved immensely .
Mira Costa’s Track and Field team website.
“This year we have stepped it up with running, as we have been working a lot on short sprints, like 150’s or 200’s, that have already made me see an increase in my speed,” Elias said. “All of the technique work that we have done has also helped my form tremendously.”
Prior to coaching, Ufodiama attended Long Beach Poly High School where she was a national champion in the triple jump. She then moved on to Washington State University where she achieved an MVP award, Pac-10 athlete of the month, and she still holds the best triple jump record at the university.
Coach Blessing Ufodiama’s personal website, displaying her achievements.
“Since we know how successful Ufodiama has been in her jumping career, me and other runners have been more conscious as to watch her every step,” junior runner Scarlett Elias said. “Having her as our co-coach this year has made an impact and I’m sure we’ll see a big difference once we start competing.”
Coach Ufodiama says that her and the Mustangs are eager to begin the season this upcoming spring to test out some of the new tips and techniques that Ufodiama has taught the athletes as she knows it hasn’t been an easy path to get to the point they are at now.
“I have experienced what many of these kids troubles with running are and with my experience, I should be able to increase their level of running,” Ufodiama said. “I can’t wait to start the season to see how well my tactics like: positive affirmations, sport psychology, and goal setting will help each kid in their personal journey in track and field.”
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