This week we have been giving you a behind the scenes look at the Davenport track & field teams.  They have four coaches who work wtih them: Darrin Tape, Pam Villarreal, and Casey Fechter.  We did a question and answer session with Darrin and Pam to learn more about their work with the team, what they enjoy most, and how they balance coaching with the rest of their life.

Q: What is your background in track & field – competing & coaching?

Pam: I started running track in middle school and ran until I graduated from GVSU.  I have always been a short sprinter and jumper.  I still have middle and high school records along with 2 records at GVSU.  I am a numerous time over All- GLIAC jumper and sprinter, 8 time NCAA Long and Triple Jump National qualifier.  I have been a part of winning programs since the beginning with conference team titles each year I have been a part of a team.  Since I started coaching I have coached a few All- Americans at both GVSU and DU.  I have coach a National High Jump Champion, and All- American Long Jumper at GVSU.  And I have coached DU's first track All-American last year Amy VanEns in High Jump indoor.

Darrin: I competed in the sport of track & field at Northwood University for four years.  I have also coached at the high school level for one year at Thornapple Kellogg High School.  I have coached at the collegiate level now for three years at Davenport University.  

Q: What events do you specialize in coaching?

Pam: I specialize in coaching the long jump, triple jump and high jump.  Along with the sprinters.

Darrin: I specialize in coaching the sprinters. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching at DU?

Pam: I love working with our team.  They are a great bunch of athletes who just show up and work hard day in and day out.  They always seem to get me to laugh or smile when I am having a bad day.  Not to mention the rest of the coaching staff is great!  Scott is a great head coach to work for!  Plus Casey [throwers coach] was my teammate at GVSU and Darrin and I were competing at the same time in the GLIAC.

Darrin: I enjoy watching our student-athletes compete and succeed in both the classroom and on the track.   It has been a privilege to help build a new program and see our student-athletes grow as young adults through their successes. 

Q: What are you commitments away from DU?

Pam: I work full time at Saint Mary's Neuroscience Department as the Business Supervisor.  So I work all day there then get to practice as soon as I can.  Then I am also an Adjunct at DU in the School of Health Administration teaching OSHA.  Not to mention helping my husband with his track team at times and just being a wife. 

Darrin: I also work at Farmers Insurance full-time in the Specialty Dwelling Department as a Service Representative. 

Q: How do you balance your outside commitments and coaching?

Pam: It can be hard at times but it is all about priorities, just taking it all one step at a time.  Coaching is my outlet from my career life and it helps me maintain balance.  I also run and do road races myself so it seems like I am always trying to train for something.

Darrin: It has become increasingly difficult to balance both coaching and working full-time.  Communication between all the coaching staff has become the most important asset in balancing both coaching and work life. 

The track & field teams will be in action today at the Trine Invitational.  Be sure to check back for complete results.  You can also watch a behind the scenes video of the teams on the DU YouTube Channel.