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

By: Jim
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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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NSCA Adds High School Track to National Conference

By: Jim
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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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The Power of Service-Learning in 2022

By: Jim
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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: Jim
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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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The Gift of Injury

By: Jim
Opportunity, , , 2 Comments on 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…

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Obesity, Self-Efficacy, and Empowerment through Strength

By: Jim
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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…

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Everybody, Move!!

By: Jim
Move, Strength, Wellness, , , , , , , , 1 Comment on Everybody, Move!!

at the end of the day. Movement, as Caroline Williams explains, should be an essential component of our lives.

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Strength and Support

By: Jim
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Officer Holecek and the rest of the department were always open-minded, patient, and understanding with me, but in my experience, gym-goers seemed entitled, condescending, and unwelcoming. I was too afraid and insecure to step foot in their territory. This was different. In the basement gym of the police station, I was welcomed and ultimately found confidence and a love for weightlifting. 

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Tim Dohrer: Leading with Kindness

By: Jim
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In a quiet office overlooking Northwestern University’s autumn-tinted campus, Dr. Tim Dohrer is quietly inspiring the new wave of teacher-leaders. Leadership is a skill for all. Whether it takes the form of coaching, parenting, or teaching – whether it occurs in the boardroom, on the field, or at home – leadership is both necessary and…

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3 Keys to Support Mental Health in the Weightroom

By: Jim
Opportunity, Strength, Stress, , , Leave a Comment on 3 Keys to Support Mental Health in the Weightroom

The weight room can be one of the most powerful learning environments in all of athletics. For 9 months each year (an offseason), dedicated educators create cultures within a “classroom” full of novelty, goal-directed behavior, hard work and fun. Time after time, young people report learning valuable lessons in the squat rack, or between sets…

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