"In the summer of 2016, Coaches Fred Eaves, Kevin Vanderbush, Rich Gray and myself met to discuss the unique needs of our profession . The current state of high school strength coaches had left us disconnected, devalued and under served. Although there are a few organizations and associations serving the field of strength and conditioning, none were dedicated solely to the high school strength coach. It was decided that there was a better path. The NHSSCA was created to allow us to grow as true professionals and the movement began." Gary Schofield Jr. Co-founder NHSSCA
The responsibility of preparing high school athletes for collegiate level athletics typically falls within the scope of responsibility of high school strength coaches and sports heads. With that said, it’s hard to understand why more school districts aren’t prioritizing more on the belief that strength coaches are not only important, but necessary.
After all, there are over 8 million student athletes participating in high school athletics and for many, their first time training is typically in the high school weight room.
Luckily, for high school athletes across America, NHSSCA (National High School Strength Coaches Association) is a coaching conference playing the role in calling attention to the importance of training athletes safely and preparing them for the next level.
2019 National Conference
They say time flies when you're having fun...Well, the third annual NHSSCA National Conference is was June 28 & 29,
I've been fortunate to have represented the VertiMax community while attending the first two national conventions, as well as many regional events since the origination of NHSSCA in 2016. One thing I've learned from attending NHSSCA events in the past: Expect the unexpected.
Most would think that gathering hundreds of strength coaches from across the country would create a puffed out chest and tense atmosphere. That couldn't be further from the truth here... The organization prides itself on family relationships and I feel that culture is really starting to take shape.
What To Expect In Nashville
It remains the mission of the organization to educate, equip and empower coaches to make a positive impact in the lives of student athletes. The NHSSCA #FAMILY has done just that and the national conference is no exception.
Expect an environment with a number of common goals in common:
- How to further the evolution of the strength and conditioning profession in the high school setting
- Creativity surrounding discussions on how to form better athletes and well-rounded young men and women
- Special Interest Mini-Session Breakouts
Hands-on Sessions
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a pre-conference with renowned coach Michael Boyle, a keynote presentation from legendary coach Joe Kenn, A Hall of Fame Ceremony and Awards Dinner, over 15 hours of content specific to and presented by high school strength coaches including breakouts, lectures and hands on learning opportunities.
- Adam Lane CSCS, USAW 1& 2, FMS
Coach Lane is the Director of Strength/Conditioning and Sports Performance at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, IN.
Topic: “Non Traditional Training: Strongman Options”
- Monte Sparkman, MEd, CSCS, USAW, USATF-2
Topic: “Squat Perspectives, Progressions and Regressions”
- Nick Brattain, CSCS, FMS
Coach Brattain is the Director of High Performance at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, LA.
Topic: “Linear Speed Development”
Plan on attending? What are you most looking forward to this year?
See you in Nashville!
