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The IMG Academy’s boys track & field and cross country program emphasizes individual growth within a team atmosphere, allowing student-athletes to achieve their goals. From setting records at the national level with 15 named High School All Americans in 2023 alone, to placing over 50 boys track and field student-athletes in college over the last five years, including 40+ Division I placements, IMG Academy’s track & field and cross country program remains a global destination for student-athletes seeking to push themselves to reach the next level.
The program offers event-specific training for jumpers, sprinters, decathletes, hurdlers, throwers, pole vaulters and distance/ cross-country runners throughout an annual competition schedule. With an unprecedented, proven methodology built upon intentional development through coachability, focus, and resilience, every student-athlete feels prepared and confident as they strengthen their abilities
Boys Track and Field Program
overview
athletic development
facilities
methodology
coaching staff
Overview
Program Structure
IMG Academy’s student-athletes are exposed to elite training and conditioning plans created by experienced coaches. The track & field and cross-country program is the optimal college preparatory environment for student-athletes to focus on their development through an annual cycle inclusive of base training, pre and post-competition preparation, and regeneration.
Tracking growth & success:
Student-athletes receive individualized training plans and focus on intricate development cycles inclusive of base training, pre and post-competition, and regeneration.
Each student-athlete within IMG Academy’s track and field and cross country program receives:
- An individual development plan
- Individual development quarterly reports
- A team competition schedule
- A training group periodization plan
- An athletic and personal development plan
- A college placement plan
Home Away From Home: Hear directly from our families
Event-Specific Training
IMG Academy offers event-specific training that’s tailored to each student-athlete’s individual needs to maximize efficiency, increase speed, and improve strength. Training includes weekly video analysis while more technical events may have more frequent video sessions throughout the week. Student-athletes will also work with their respective coaches to review video after competing.
IMG Academy’s student-athletes are exposed to elite training and conditioning plans created by world champions and Olympians. Track & field and cross-country coaches focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes while enhancing each individual’s specific event techniques.
JUMPERS (TRIPLE JUMP, HIGH JUMP, LONG JUMP, POLE VAULT) | The end goal for IMG Academy jumpers is to accelerate to a maximum controlled horizontal velocity with an accurate stride pattern. To achieve that maximum jumping potential, training is broken down to focus on these core areas:
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SPRINTERS & HURDLERS | IMG Academy’s sprint and hurdle student-athletes combine strength, power, speed, and technique to optimize specific time and distance parameters. Sprinters and hurdlers require a great strength-to-body ratio, speed combined with horizontal velocity, and angular momentum for optimal results. Training includes block settings, conditioning, mechanical analysis, stride patterns, and more to address all aspects of competitive performance. |
THROWING (SHOT PUT, DISCUS, JAVELIN, HAMMER) | Because throwers require great strength, arm speed, and excellent coordination, IMG Academy throwers typically throw 5-6 days a week combined with four days of weight training. All throwers practice multiple throwing events while focusing on their respective primary event. Training focuses on technique, grip, rotations, turns, power vs. speed, and more. |
DISTANCE & CROSS COUNTRY | IMG Academy distance and cross-country student-athletes combine strength, speed, cardio, and technique to optimize specific time and distance parameters. The total running volume of each student-athlete is incredibly individualized based on age and ability level. Training incorporates drills that help develop bio mechanical efficiency as coaches consider quality training a priority over quantity of total volume. Distance runners maximize their speed while minimizing the risk of injury while developing primary biological components that factor into positive performance outcomes. For cross country student-athletes specifically, training is a combination of long-distance road work, trail runs, and track intervals to develop speed and endurance. An emphasis is also placed on running mechanics, recovery techniques, strength training, and nutrition. Specific paces and intensities ensure that the targeted energy and body systems are addressed. |
COMBINED EVENTS | IMG Academy's Combined Events training group focuses on developing well-rounded athletes in the Pentathlon, Heptathlon, and Decathlon. Athletes in the program will receive personalized coaching and training that is tailored to their individual needs and goals. The program also emphasizes mental and emotional resilience, as well as nutrition and injury prevention. The dedicated multi-coach works closely with each student-athlete to develop a training plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals. Combined event training will heavily focus on developing speed and power, while also incorporating proven training techniques for the 800m/1500m events, as demonstrated at both the NCAA and Olympic levels. The coach will provide guidance and support throughout the entire training process, from the initial stages of strength and conditioning to the final stages of strategy and competition. This personalized approach allows each individual to maximize their potential in each event, while also building a strong foundation for future success in college. |
Athletic Development
IMG Academy track & field and cross-country student-athletes have access to proven performance training in areas like vision training, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine. Athletic Development coaches and trainers integrate into the program's larger support system, ensuring that each student-athlete feels confident and prepared off the court as well.
Strength & Conditioning
Outwork and outlast the competition with IMG Academy’s Strength & Conditioning program. Our team of performance experts design a program that supplements sports training to help student-athletes reach their potential.
- Speed, agility, and movement
- Endurance & Conditioning
- Strength and power
- Flexibility, mobility, balance, and core
Sports Medicine
IMG Academy’s Sports Medicine program educates and helps student-athletes keep their bodies healthy during demanding training and competition schedules. Our team promotes athlete availability through preventative and corrective exercises, holistic injury evaluation & treatment and movement quality assessments.
- Athletic training
- Physical therapy
- Injured athlete program
- Corrective exercise work
- Recovery
- Education on injury management
- Return-to play management
Nutrition
At IMG Academy, we understand how important it is for student-athletes to fuel their bodies to meet their high-level lifestyles and sport demands. Our Nutrition program maximizes student-athlete performance by equipping them with the nutrition knowledge and resources to fuel and hydrate themselves for academic, athletics and long-term health.
- Optimal everyday nutrition
- Performance Plate
- Nutrient intake and timing
- Hydration strategies
- Supplement education
- Pre and post-competition fueling
- Travel nutrition
- Energy balance
Visual Training
Vision Training is not just about seeing – it’s about doing. Student-athletes will train their eyes to perform more quickly and efficiently through eye muscle and visual system development.
- Hand-eye coordination
- Peripheral vision
- Reaction time
- Depth perception
- Vision strength
Facilities
IMG Academy’s track & field and cross-country program trains and competes on the following facilities on campus:
- A new 8-Lane 400M Track
- High-speed video analysis for thorough training to review practices and meets in slow-motion, instant replay, and more with the ability to share all content
- Freelap & Brower Timing systems for portability, accuracy, and wireless capabilities
- Six multi-directional pole vault runways with international-standard pits
- Eight multi-directional long jump/triple jump pits
- Dedicated long throw areas with multiple circles and cages
- 2 shot competition shot put rings
- 2 Discus and 2 hammer rings
- Dedicated Javelin Runway
- Dedicated Throws Equipment Shed on Site
- Covered turf facility for speed and agility work
Other Facilities
Explore our housing and amenities here
- Dorms
- Campus Center
- Academic Center
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Annual Training Schedule
Freshman YearSeptember - November
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January – April
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Sophom*ore YearSeptember - November
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January - April
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Junior YearSeptember - November
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January - April
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Senior YearSeptember - November
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January - April
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Track and Field Director, Mark Napier
Mark Napier most recently served as Head Coach of Track & Field at Lakewood Ranch High School, one of the top high school programs in the state of Florida. During his 8-year tenure he coached 12 state champions / 2 state relay champions / girls’ state championship team and 3 years where both his boys and girls' teams had the highest Academic GPA in the state of Florida. With 8 years of high school and 20 years of college experience, Napier also works with the KAAF Top Junior Athletes in South Korea.
Experience
- KAAF National Junior Coach Liaison – Dague, South Korea
- Lead Instructor - South Korean Junior Team / Professional Athletes and KAAF Coaches
- Florida High School Coach of the Year / National Coach of the Year Finalist
- Both boys and girls programs had back-to-back highest team GPAs in Florida
- 22 NCAA & NJCAA National Champions, 26 NCAA & 51 NJCAA All-Americans, 36 Conference Champions, and 55 NCAA qualifiers.
- Responsible for coaching and recruiting 64 Academic All-Big Ten student athletes.
- Have coached a total of 33 Conference Track & Field Championship teams in 3 conferences (MVC, Big XII, and Big Ten).
- NJCAA National Assistant Coach of the Year 4 times and 4 NJCAA National Titles
- Coached 4 Olympians (Long Jump/Triple Jump/Decathlon/400m)
- Coached 2 Visa Decathlon Members
- Coached 6 U.S. vs. Germany Decathlon Members
- Coached 1995 World Championship Bronze Medalist in Triple Jump
- Coached 2000 Indoor USATF National Runner-up in High Jump
- Coached and mentored 12 NFL players (most notably 10x All-Pro Joe Thomas)
Coach | Title |
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Mark Napier | Director of Track and Field |
Lamont Thomas | Assistant Director |
Caleb Phillips | Pole Vault Coach |
Chase Sandberg | Senior Athletics Advisor |
Dwight Thomas | Sprint Coach |
Hannah Gault | Distance Coach |
Larry Ryans | Hurdles/Sprint Coach |
Mark Stephens | Throws Coach |
TJ Lawson | Multi-Event Coach |
Bill Lawson | Head of Distance and Cross Country |
Program Achievements
Some impressive highlights of the IMG Academy boys track & field and cross country program include:
2023 Texas Relays 4x100M Champions and Record Holders
2023 Boys 4x200m relay Indoor National Champions
Alumnus, Jaylen Slade, 2021 National Track and Field Athlete of the Year & Olympic Trials Qualifier
35 National Outdoor Qualifiers in program history
45 National Indoor Qualifiers in program history
50+ boys track and field student-athletes placed in college over the last 5 years, including 40+ DI placements
22+ Countries represented across the program
View Our Stories
Take an inside look at IMG Academy student-athletes and their unique journeys on campus. While each student-athlete has a unique background and story, their shared passions and goals are clear as they strive together to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.
Back to the Blocks - Jaylen Slade's Journey to the Olympic Trials
Throwing Away the Limits - Kosi Umerah
Tuition
IMG Academy boarding school is built for dedicated and passionate student-athletes. We provide the tools and resources for our student-athletes to achieve their goals in the classroom, in their sport, in college and beyond. IMG Academy tuition rates are based on the comprehensive nature of our programming and resources available to student-athletes.
2023-2024 full year track and field tuition ranges from $67,400-$89,900 depending on age and program enrollment.
Download Track and Field Tuition
Academics
Offering grades 6-12 as well as post-graduate options, IMG Academy provides track & field and cross-country student-athletes with a robust academic curriculum, unmatched academic support, and resources that prepares them for the rigors of university life and beyond.
Inside Academics
Personal Development
The transformative growth of every track & field and cross-country student-athlete depends significantly on the Athletic and Personal Development department. These coaches prioritize essential aspects such as mental resilience, movement, adaptability, moral development, and other key areas.
Learn the Process
College Placement
It’s critical for track & field and cross-country student-athletes to feel confident and equipped to find the best college fit. IMG Academy’s proven, industry-leading college placement services and technology have placed more student-athletes on college rosters than any other program in the world.
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Campus Experience
At IMG Academy, student-athletes can showcase their individuality, assume leadership positions through clubs and groups on campus, and excel in areas aligning with their passions.
Explore Campus
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IMG Academy Boarding School Application
IMG Academy is the world leader in sports education and the boarding school admits a limited amount of students annually from a large pool of qualified applicants, so we encourage interested student-athletes to submit an application as early as possible. Submit your online application to get started today.
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