Nevada coach Jeff Choate to headline Worley coaches clinic Feb. 21

Jeff Choate, the University of Nevada head football coach and a former Post Falls High coach and athletic director, will be the keynote speaker at the Vertical Raise Coaches Clinic set for Feb. 21 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley. Choate is scheduled to speak at 8:30 a.m., and the clinic will feature roughly 18 additional speakers with NFL and college coaching experience.

The clinic presents a concentrated professional development opportunity for coaches across Kootenai County and the Inland Northwest. Single-coach registration is priced at $50, with staff packages offered for larger school or club teams. Organizers are promoting the event as a way to bring high-level strategy, technique and program-building insight to local coaches ahead of the spring practice cycle.

Beyond on-field instruction, the clinic has implications for how local athletic programs invest in coaching education. School boards and athletic directors who allocate limited public funds for professional development face choices about where to direct those dollars. A one-day clinic with national and collegiate speakers can supplement district-led training, strengthen coaching standards, and shape how programs emphasize player safety, Xs-and-Os, and pathways to college opportunities.

For Kootenai County coaches, the presence of a coach with Choate’s local ties may increase the clinic’s practical relevance. Choate’s background as a former Post Falls High coach and athletic director provides a direct line to regional high school priorities, while his current role at Nevada and the inclusion of speakers with NFL and college experience broaden the tactical and organizational perspectives available.

The event also poses modest local economic and community benefits. Hosting the clinic at the Coeur d’Alene Casino concentrates visiting coaches and staff in Worley for the day, and clinics of this scale typically generate ancillary spending on lodging and food for out-of-town attendees. More substantively, improved coaching practices can affect athlete development and safety at the high school level, potentially reducing injuries and improving student-athlete experiences that matter to families and school officials.

Organizers note the schedule highlights include Choate at 8:30 a.m. and a roster of roughly 18 other presenters. Single-coach registration is $50; staff package pricing is available for teams. Coaches interested in attending should register promptly to secure space and confirm schedule details with event organizers.

This clinic is a near-term chance for local programs to access broader coaching expertise while school leaders weigh how best to fund and prioritize professional development for staff. For coaches and districts preparing for spring practices, the event could influence coaching approaches and program planning in the months ahead.