Coach Spotlight: Tim Rockhold, Co-Ed Clay Target Shooting

Meet Tim Rockhold, Blackhawk’s new Co-Ed Clay Target Shooting coach.

Coach Rockhold is one of six new coaches at Blackhawk, supporting the college's new sports, including men’s golf, coed clay target shooting, women’s volleyball, coed bowling, and men’s and women’s basketball.

Originally from the Quad Cities, Coach Rockhold played football and wrestled for United Township High School before he attended Truman State in Kirksville, Missouri, and later Western Illinois University. He also competed in powerlifting, qualified for collegiate nationals and won state titles in both Iowa and Illinois.

Coach Rockhold started trap shooting about a decade ago, competing locally and at a few larger tournaments. His coaching philosophy centers on a shooter’s strengths.

“You don’t make shooters conform to an exact technique,” he said. “You find what they can do and improve on that. There are several variations to trap shooting, and there are successful shooters using various techniques. I want to make each shooter the best they can be.”

Understanding movement and the body is key to how he helps develop his squad members, he said. And he also works with athletes on positive self-talk to ensure they are handling the pressure of competition.

“I like seeing progress. Success is great, but progress is a result of working with a plan. It is always good to see someone diagnose a problem, plan on how to improve, practice that and then see success for the work you put in. That is what makes coaching fun,” he said.

The Co-Ed Clay Target Shooting Team will compete in the fall and spring. Student athlete registration opens on Aug. 1, with the first practice on Sept. 15 and the first competition on Sept. 22.