In Knoxville last week at The 31st Annual University of Tennessee Strength & Conditioning Clinic, it was basically all training talk where nearly 180 coaches, from all levels and divisions, convened to learn, absorb and share ideas on administering a strength program. This was one of the partnered Hammer Strength Clincs, and Lon Record & Life Fitness are known for disseminating real training information to coaches in the strength field. Certainly, few programs are going to possess the tool box (see photos) that the Vols' Head Strength Coach Dave Lawson gets to use for training the storied program down by Rocky Top, but each coach in attendance could leave that clinic with a new idea or technique. In addition, there's the opportunity to network at a well attended clinic like that.....or develop new professional relationships to last a lifetime.
Besides all the great weightroom stuff there in Knoxville, Coach Lawson has developed a very knowledgeable and motivating strength staff to implement the detailed and well designed program. Mike Szerszen, Brandon Myles, Ike Brown and Greg Adamson all play huge roles in Head Football Coach Butch Jones' vision of returning Tennessee Volunteer Football back to national prominence.
After a hearty breakfast of an 'Ultimate Omelet' and a stack of french toast at Pete's Coffee Shop and Restaurant in downtown Knoxville.... just a long touchdown pass from the Hilton, ASAP Sports Science Director Ted Lambrinides and I made our way back to the UT Vols Strength Clinic: DAY TWO. That's where Coach Butch Jones kicked off the Saturday morning program with a nice presentation and message about developing your own personal brand and that it's the "inches that make the champion".

From there it was Dave Lawson and Mike Szerszen, who detailed the Vols' program and then Dave Rankin of Alcoa High School gave a well received talk which was followed by Mike Gentry of Virginia Tech as he explained the details of how he trains the Hokies. On the previous night, UT Football Strength Coach Mike Szerszen and Georgia Tech Director of Player Development John Sisk were the headline speakers. Visit our website soon for podcasts with John Sisk and Mike Gentry.
All in all, a very nice weekend in Tennessee at the Anderson Training Center and we're definitely looking forward to the 32nd Annual event!!

ASAP Video and Blogpost by Ed Cicale
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