Jemel Balkman has been awarded a scholarship from Gill Athletics for the USATF Level I Coaches Education School to be held at Villanova University from March 16-18th.
“Jemel has been involved in track and field for over 16 years as an athlete, coach, student and mentor,” said Gill Athletics Sales Manager Mike Cunningham. “His sacrifice to the sport and his athletes has come in many different forms. It’s now time that the sport gives a little more back to him. USATF Level I class will help point Jemel in the right direction with his training and quite possibly help him achieve a career change into full time coaching. It is our hope that this scholarship and the education he will learn from Level I will help propel Jemel and his future athletes to more success.”
“Receiving this scholarship is quite possibly the best thing that has happened to me in this sport in a long time,” said Balkman. “The opportunity it represents and the endless possibility that lies ahead is immense and I'm humbled to even think about it. Any chance to better myself and those I am called to service is one I will cherish always. Education is the one gift that can never be lost or taken away, and I'm thankful to Gill Athletics for this enriching experience ahead of me. Track and Field has played a larger role in my life and my work than I could have ever imagined when first setting out upon this path, I feel I have discovered a purposeful life and I'm prepared to embrace it and walk that path.”
