Inaugural Godina Summer Camp Heads to NAU

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The 2010 Track and Field high intensity throws summer camp on the campus of Northern Arizona will take on a new face this year. Four-time World Champion shot putter John Godina will host the John Godina NAU Throws Camp, which will take place July 18-22.

Godina could have held a summer throws camp anywhere across the country, but the two-time Olympian chose NAU because of its outstanding state-of-the-art facilities.

“The number one reason for choosing NAU was for their brand new facilities,” Godina said. “Those new fields deserved to be shown off and the school did a really good of building them. I wanted to do a camp at a school that could host a lot of athletes, and also a place worthy of showing off.”

Godina also chose to host his inaugural camp at NAU because of his relationship with assistant track and field coach of the Lumberjacks, Mohamad Saatara. Entering his eighth year at NAU, Saatara has seen a multitude of his throwers have success during and after their collegiate careers.

“The other reason for NAU is that I am a shot put and discus expert, but I needed a hammer expert, and Mohamad is one of the best hammer coaches in the country,” Godina said. “I am fortunate to have such a good coach so close to where I am located.”

Saatara is also excited to be able to host this premier throws camp alongside Godina and knows what a great opportunity it is for the school.

“It’s a great opportunity for our program, the athletic department and university to be able to host such a great camp and we are very excited and proud to showcase John Godina’s camp, our university and facilities,” Saatara said. “It’s a well known fact that Flagstaff and NAU are exceptional places for endurance athletes to train and we want to show that this is also an excellent place for speed/power athletes and throwers to train as well”

Godina’s success at the collegiate and professional level has led him to creating a system for throwers that produces a new personal best 96 percent of the time. Those attending the summer camp will learn shot put and discuss technique, nutrition education, prevention of overtraining and injury and recovery and regeneration methods.

Teaching those who attend the John Godina Throws Camp will be top-notch throws coaches from around the country.

“Our staff of coaches is going to be one of the best staffs that you will find anywhere in the country,” Godina said. “We are going to have a small athlete to coach ratio and we are chalked full of national champions and Olympians on our staff.”

Saatara is well aware of the successes Godina has had on the collegiate and professional level, and knows how vital his presence at the throws camp will be for those attending.
“Through his career John was one of the most competitive and successful throwers ever, and he has shown that he has the same ability as a coach and mentor for other throwers,” Saatara said, “This is a great opportunity for him to share his experience and knowledge with young throwers.”.

Godina, a three-time NCAA Outdoor National Champion, is very familiar in teaching a winning formula. Those attending the summer camp will be engulfed in a winning atmosphere while on the campus of NAU.

“One thing we bring to the table is that everyone coaching here is a proven winner,” Godina said. “It isn’t just a bunch of college kids coaching. We are bringing in top-notch people. The athletes will be given a lot of technical knowledge. They are really going to be immersed in an elite environment unlike any other camp they can go to.”

The John Godina Throws Camp is open to those ages 13 and up. The cost is $495, which includes training, housing and food. To reserve your spot at this one-of-a-kind throws camp, please contact Mohamad Saatara at 928-523-5647, or visit nauathletics.com.