I've read in many places that the biggest fault with college track and field is that kids are expected to do as many events they can to score points at conference / national meets. I've hated this idea but luckily I haven't had head coaches that force me to do that. Granted I've never had an athlete who could easily win more than one event at a championship meet. So I usually end up my athletes focus on one event they want to do best in.

Rob was throwing high 120s in discus. With some work he could have taken 2^nd at sectionals. Rob decided to focus on doing well at states in shot, rather than being well rounded in both (Which I fully supported). I liked him taking 4^th at states, rather than 2^nd in both discus and shot at sectionals. This year Andy came in saying he wanted to be All-American in all 3 of the events he does. He wasn't very close to this in any of them, and with a 2 month season it would take too much to achieve this. Because of the vast improvments he has made, he is now focusing on winning hammer at nationals rather than hoping for an 8^th place finish in 3 events.

I like the drive some people to have to be the best throwers, instead of just a shot putter or discus thrower. But if you focus all your time and attention to one event you'll do much better. Consider someone who could win all 3 events at a given level. If that same person focuses all their time and energy on just one event, it is likely they will succeed at a much higher level. Despite my beliefs, I always let the athlete make the decision. Whatever makes them happy will ultimately help them throw the farthest.