Building Momentum as Track & Field Season Takes Off

May 29

*Head Coach, Dave McDonald with the McKay twins, Meagen and Kailey. Both young athletes are now Ultra Throw youth coaches and BC Athletics officials.*

Spring marks the return of track and field season across British Columbia—and a growing number of young athletes are being drawn to one of the sport’s most dynamic disciplines: the throwing events.

With Canadian Olympic champions like Camryn Rogers, Sarah Mitton and Ethan Katzberg bringing international attention to hammer throw and shot put, interest in events like shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer is rapidly rising among youth athletes.

At the local level, Ultra Throw, training out of McLeod Athletic Park, is helping lead that movement.

Founded and led by Head Coach Dave McDonald, Ultra Throw has built a reputation as a development-focused program that supports athletes from their first throw through to high performance competition. A retired teacher with a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Education, McDonald brings decades of experience as an athlete, coach, and educator to the program.

A former BC Athletics Masters Field Athlete of the Year and holder of multiple provincial records in throwing events, McDonald has also coached at the secondary school level and competed with the University of British Columbia track and field team.

Under his leadership, Ultra Throw emphasizes a philosophy rooted in long-term development:

Technique comes first—because in throwing, “technique rules”
Athletes are taught to become their own best coach
Progress is built through patience, persistence, and consistent practice

McDonald is actively involved in every training session, working directly with athletes across all age groups, from beginner youth to experienced competitors.

Supported by a team of five additional coaches, Ultra Throw offers structured Junior Development and Youth programs with intentionally small group sizes to ensure individualized coaching and athlete progression.

The club’s impact is being felt not only in performance, but in participation—introducing more young athletes to a discipline that builds strength, coordination, confidence, and community.

Head shot of Dave McDonald Coach — *Head Coach and Founder of Ultra Throw, Dave McDonald*

A Coach Who Builds Futures

Many of Ultra Throw’s athletes have gone on to compete at top universities across Canada and the United States, carrying forward the foundation Coach Dave helped create. Their words speak volumes about the impact he’s had both on and off the field.

“Coach Dave is a very technical and encouraging coach, who has taught me so much. His attention to detail always makes me keen to learn more and improve.”

— Ava Eichhorst (18), now at Western Mustangs, Ontario

“When I was 15 years old Coach Dave ignited a fire in me that has fueled my track & field journey from local, regional, and provincial wins, a national ranking and now as a NCAA athlete. He instilled a lifelong passion for the sport and unforgettable life lessons along the way.”

— Jaanib Tatlay (17), now at Simon Fraser University, BC

“Coach Dave is a very dedicated and supportive coach. In the time I’ve spent with him, I’ve seen growth and results like no other.”

— Gurleen Mander (18), now at Weber State University, Utah

Ready to join us?
Email ultrathrow@gmail.com to learn more or visit our Registration page.