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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

The Gift of Injury

A quick trip to the emergency room had me stitched up and crutching my way back to work the next day. That day I spent about 10 hours on my feet. The swelling was worse than I thought it would be and that night was a painful one. I went to bed with my leg elevated, hoping to sleep it off. When I woke the next morning, I was drenched in sweat…

Read More

Obesity, Self-Efficacy, and Empowerment through Strength

This article originally published on TeamEmbrace.net By Jeremy Weber Two double cheeseburgers, ten spicy nuggets, a large fry and a large soda. This was the typical Wendy’s order I’d shame-eat most nights when I was sitting in my car outside of my apartment. For the better part of a year this ritual was the only…

Read More

Deshaun Watson: is a 6 game suspension enough?

More than two dozen women have filed charges against Watson. An internal investigation believes there was wrongdoing. So the only problem is this: the punishment does not fit the crime. Minimally, the punishment of a 6-game suspension does not send a clear enough signal that sexual misconduct is not acceptable.

Read More