Break the Monotony of S&C with Gameplay

Physical Education is an essential part of any school curriculum, as it provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and active lives. It teaches them about the benefits of being physically active, which include improved physical and mental health, increased academic performance, and enhanced social and emotional well-being. By participating in a variety of activities, such as playing games, practicing skills, and working as a team, students can develop physical literacy, which is the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide range of physical activities.

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And They’re Off! Records fall at Charger Regional

Records fell at the 2023 Charger Regional, which officially kicked off the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA) season on February 28th at Stagg High School in Palos Hills. Brian Buglio (Meet Director) hosted one of the largest meets in regional competition. More than 100 lifters from Lockport, Marist, Romeoville, Sandburg, and Stagg High Schools competed in the annual Charger Regional.

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IHSPLA History & the Tiger Regional

By Jim Davis, Ed.M., MA, RSCC*D I was sitting in a folding chair in the basement of the YMCA in Niles, Illinois. 23 at the time, I’d been powerlifting alongside my football career. Strength played a major role in my life and it was now a competitive sport for me. I trained hard for this…

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E-Valuating the Future of Sport: E-Sports as Education

The e-sports landscape is rapidly expanding. Hundreds of millions of people tune into live events and millions of dollars are offered in scholarships and tournament prizes. Roughly 200 colleges across the nation have developed varsity e-sports programs and that number continues to grow. Now, as colleges recognize the potential value of e-sports and adopt more programs, the inevitable rise of high school e-sports has begun.

In this growing industry, it may be worthwhile to acknowledge the potential benefits, as well as the negatives, when it comes to team-based e-sports games. As a strength & conditioning coach and long-time gamer myself, I recognize the potential dangers of video games but I also see potential value in e-sports when done right.

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A Dietitian’s Guide to Cost-Effective Road Snacks for Athletic Performance

By: Daniel Vela, BS & Christina Chu, MS, RD, LDN One of the largest contributors to athlete performance is proper fueling, which includes consuming balanced meals, choosing the right snacks, and adequate hydration. This can be overwhelming for youth and college athletes when considering cost, time, and making the right choices around proper fueling. On…

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NSCA Adds High School Track to National Conference

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the hub of strength and conditioning in the United States. Founded in 1978, the NSCA is home to more than 60,000 members and certified coaches. S&C continues to expand. There are nearly 27,000 high schools in the United States. Strength programs, and strength coaches, are being added daily. The need is clear.

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Toss the Trophies (from Bedrock Edu.)

Wait. Don’t toss the trophy… The title is a misnomer. Trophies are awesome. Goals are essential and when they are accomplished, they should be celebrated. In sports, it comes in the form of a trophy or a ring, in business it might be a bonus or promotion. Celebrate the milestones, you’ve earned it. When the celebration is over, take time to frame the experience. That is, tell the story of what just happened. Work to understand the process that led to the outcome and find joy in that process.

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The Power of Service-Learning in 2022

For coaches using sport as education, remember to create opportunities for service-learning. It is one of the most powerful ways connect your team to the community.
The New Trier Powerlifting Team has been active for more than a decade. From the beginning, they have held tight to an important mission: “Human development through the pursuit of competitive excellence and commitment to community.” The group is in its second year as a varsity sport, competing primarily in the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association.

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Westtown Throwdown

By Chris Dertz On Saturday, December 10th, over 50 high school students representing five area schools gathered at Golder College Prep in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood for a powerlifting meet. Golder College Prep, the newest member school of the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA), hosted the aptly named Westtown Throwdown. Coach Martin Quiroga, the…

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High-Performance Nutrition: Choose Foods that Rot and Spoil!

As an athlete, have you ever wondered “what should I eat?” or as a coach, have you been asked the same question?

Pro and elite athletes come to the Chicago-based sports nutrition consulting firm SportFuel seeking answers to the most detailed sports nutrition questions—the tip of the iceberg, the top of the pyramid, the ultimate fine-tuning. They’re looking for the best practices for fuel timing, the perfect pre-game meal or snack, what to eat during activity, what to have afterwards for optimal recovery, or what to eat to gain or lose weight.

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