MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Physical training is a part of every Marine's life and for Joshua Willis, keeping in peak physical condition continues even 15 years after leaving the Corps.
Willis, a Depot Library technician, recently brought home three silver medals from the U.S.A. National Master's Track and Field Championship, which took place in Charlotte N.C. Aug. 3-6.
The organization's membership, which allows athletes to participate in the tournament, is the same membership required of Olympic athletes before being eligible to compete the in Olympic Games. Willis' awards were earned in the long jump, high jump and triple jump events.
"The long jump is the easiest event to describe," explained Willis, an Operation Desert Storm veteran who served in the Marine Corps from 1987 until 1991. "You just run and jump as far as you can. The high jump is a little more complicated. In the high jump you must run and jump over a bar for height [rather than distance].
"Technique comes into play when clearing the bar, because you must turn your back to the bar while clearing it, a technique called flopping."
According to Willis, the triple jump requires a fair amount of skill as well. Willis then demonstrated the technique, which requires athletes to run and push off with one foot, land and push off with the opposite foot. Then land a second time and make a final jump pushing off with the foot the athlete started with. In essence, it is like skipping while gaining as much distance as possible between leaps.
"While qualifying, I like to start off on my less dominant foot, so when I'm competing in following rounds, I can really kick it up a notch by starting on my dominant foot," said Willis.
Over all, Willis was most impressed in his high jump performance considering he is only 5 feet 10 inches tall as apposed to athletes more than 6 feet tall.
"I take it as a blessing from God, and I use it to motivate young athletes," said Willis.
He volunteers as part of his church's youth group function, and also coaches young athletes in track and field in his spare time.
While volunteering at church, Willis uses his time to encourage and mentor teens and children to practice proper bible ethics much like non-commissioned officers and staff non-commissioned officers mentor junior Marines in the practice of Corps values.
Willis also coaches high school track and field and Winners for Life, a summer track and field program using the same mentoring principals.
In the past, Willis coached at Battery Creek High School, but may be soon coaching at Beaufort High School.
"It's a tough choice," said Willis "both schools want me to coach, but I haven't made a decision yet."
The Winners for Life program in which Willis coaches is part of the U.S.A. Nationals organization.
"In the program, young athletes can work their way to state, regional and even national championships," explained Willis. "The events are regulated and scored exactly like the Olympics."
In order to reach out to so many young athletes, Willis has set high physical standards for himself so he can motivate others. To achieve those goals, Willis trains himself by lifting light weights, running sprints, practicing simple basketball drills and working on his track and field techniques.
"I also have a few unorthodox methods of training," said Willis. "One example is dragging a parachute or a spare tire with sandbags in it."
Even as a child, Willis stayed fit and was an all around athlete, but he saw his competitiveness and athleticism grow in junior high.
"I was inspired by a hometown hero named Rod Milburn who became an Olympic gold medal champion in the 1976 Olympics," said Willis, an Opelousas, L.A. native. "He was my junior high coach and a mentor to me, because he was a real down to earth and personable guy. He created a family and friendship atmosphere and I try to do the same while coaching."
Willis and Milburn stayed in touch until Milburn passed away six years ago, but Willis continues to strive to become an Olympic athlete emulating his late mentor.
In 1996, Willis became interested in competing in the Olympics, but did not have sufficient information on the process for Olympic qualification. After falling short of qualifying in 2000, Willis began coaching and became too involved with college and coaching to prepare for the 2004 Olympics. Willis has not given up though, he plans on competing in 2008.
"I think I still have it in me, and I'm going to give it one last try," said Willis.
Until then, Willis will continue to train, and encourage athletes to contact him for information on the U.S.A. National Track and Field organization. He continues offering help to those who need an experienced training partner.