Voodoo Power
Coach and athlete interviews. From local to international guests the show hosts many people who are revolutionizing the way we compete. It’s a platform to allow student and professional athletes along with the coaches to get their ideas out to a larger audience. The world of sports and how it’s viewed is always changing to listen as it happens helps the audience become a part of history in the making. The guest list is growing all the time as more people come on the show to help broadcast their thoughts
Coaching With Precision: Periodization, Athlete Classification & Training Boys vs. Girls Ryan Banta
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In this episode, Ryan Banta shares his coaching philosophy shaped by years of success in high school track and field. He breaks down the critical differences in training boys and girls, explaining why coaching cannot be one-size-fits-all and how understanding physiological and psychological differences leads to better performance outcomes.
The conversation dives into periodization models, athlete classification systems, and the importance of precise training prescription. Banta explains how to properly manage intensity, recovery, and adaptation while building resilient, high-performing athletes. He also discusses common coaching mistakes, the value of...
Plates and Pancakes Podcast — Featuring Coach Ross Garner
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On this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven Thompson sits down with Ross Garner for a wide-ranging conversation on high school strength and conditioning, coaching realities, and athlete development.
They break down the challenges of modern coaching—from college football turnover and program inconsistency to building buy-in at the high school level. Coach Garner shares practical insights on programming for large groups, why deadlifts often outperform Olympic lifts for high school athletes, and how sprint improvements can quickly change a coach’s mindset.
The discussion dives deep into:
• Strength vs spee...
Elastic Speed, Athlete Development, and the Future of Sport with Brandon Byrd Part 2
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Recorded 12/30/25
In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into elastic speed, force production, and long-term athlete development. Steven and Brandon break down how true speed is built through the integration of acceleration mechanics, plyometrics, and strength training — not just weight room numbers.
They discuss how to identify whether an athlete is elastic-dominant or strength-dominant, how to program accordingly, and why broad jumps, resisted sprints, and intent-driven lifting matter more than traditional metrics.
The episode also explores the evolution of sport performance, the dangers of over-coaching, and how developing adaptable, re...
Building Speed From the Ground Up: Acceleration, Power, and the Broad Jump with Brandon Byrd: Part 1
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In Part 1 of this in-depth conversation, Steven sits down with Brandon to break down the true foundations of sprint speed. The discussion centers on acceleration mechanics, horizontal force production, and why the broad jump may be one of the most underrated indicators of sprint performance.
Brandon shares his philosophy on training sprinters based on their natural tendencies—whether they’re twitchy, elastic athletes or strength-dominant performers—and explains how resistance training, box squats, sumo deadlifts, and bounding can be used to build explosive power without sacrificing efficiency. Real coaching case studies highlight dramat...
Discipline, Culture, and Courage: Developing Leaders in Sport with Eric Everard
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Leadership isn’t theory — it’s built under pressure, tested in adversity, and proven through service. In this episode, Steven sits down with Eric Everard, a veteran leader whose career spans military health systems, enterprise IT transformation, and high-level wrestling coaching.
With over 25 years of experience in process improvement and organizational leadership, Eric brings a rare combination of Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt expertise, health informatics innovation, agile project management, and USA Wrestling Gold-level coaching. From leading strategic initiatives in the U.S. Army and Colorado Military Health System to founding Crywol...
“From College to the Big Leagues: Strength & Conditioning with Stephanie Grubbs”
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In this episode, Steven sits down with Stephanie Grubbs, the first woman to serve as Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Houston Astros, to talk about what it really takes to prepare athletes for the demands of Major League Baseball.
Stephanie shares her path from collegiate athletics to professional baseball, detailing how coaching in the MLB requires a different lens — one built on individualized programming, relationship equity, recovery management, and long-season workload strategy. She explains how sports science informs her decision-making, but why the art of coaching — communication, trust, and...
From the NFL to the Weight Room: Lessons in Performance with Coach Kellar
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In this episode, Steven sits down with veteran strength coach and former NFL nose tackle Scott Kellar for a wide-ranging conversation on training, recovery, and long-term athlete development.
Coach Kellar brings decades of experience from both professional football and the weight room, offering insight into effective football training cycles, microdosing for multi-sport athletes, and how shorter training blocks can prevent burnout while improving performance. The conversation also explores actionable coaching strategies, including delivering precise feedback, managing athlete stress, and maintaining program standards as team leadership transitions.
Additional topics include building...
Strength, Speed, and Smart Programming with Seth Ford
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In this episode, we sit down with Seth Ford, strength and conditioning coach and head powerlifting coach at Huntington ISD in East Texas, for an in-depth conversation on developing strong, fast, and resilient athletes.
Seth shares his coaching philosophy on training high school athletes for long-term success across multiple sports, not just sport-specific performance. We dive into how he programs strength training throughout the season, avoids peaking too early or too late, and builds confidence in athletes heading into regional and state competitions.
Topics covered in this episode include:
• The...
Josh Stoner: Cutting Through Hype, Building Culture, and Leading Under Pressure
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Voodoo Power Podcast — Featuring Josh Stoner
How do you separate legitimate ideas from hype when every trend promises the next breakthrough?
On this episode of the Voodoo Power Podcast, Coach Stoner joins the conversation to unpack how experience, self-testing, and collaboration shape real high-performance environments. He explains why the best filters for trends come from coaches who train themselves, build think-tank staffs, and test ideas before pushing them onto athletes.
Coach Stoner dives into the evolution of coaching conversations across an athlete’s career, the dangers of confusing expo...
Waffle Iron Wisdom with Stephen Rose
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Waffle Iron Gym isn’t just a place to train — it’s a proving ground.
Hosted by strength coach and community‑builder Stephen Rose, this podcast digs deep into the art, science, and soul of athletic development. From the garage‑gym roots that sparked a local movement to the hard‑earned lessons forged under the bar, Stephen brings raw honesty, practical wisdom, and decades of hands‑on experience.
Each episode explores what it really takes to build stronger athletes and stronger people — blending training philosophy, real‑world case studies, leadership insights, and conversations that...
Coach Alex Gibson’s Fitness Insights: Building Strong Athletes, Strong Culture
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In this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Alex Gibson of APG Strength for a wide-ranging conversation on coaching, athlete development, and building a training culture that truly works. Coach Gibson shares her journey in the strength and conditioning world, including how APG Strength grew into a thriving facility with a balanced mix of male and female athletes by prioritizing communication, confidence, and connection.
The discussion dives into practical coaching strategies—from programming efficient two-day training splits and prioritizing compound lifts, to using fewer words and more physical demonstrations to improve learning an...
“Culture Over Everything: Dr. Morris and the Missouri State Blueprint”
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Morris of Missouri State to dive deep into what it truly takes to build a championship-caliber football program from the inside out. From establishing core values like attitude, discipline, accountability, and love, to developing young players with vastly different backgrounds, Dr. Morris breaks down the systems and standards that drive the Bears forward.
He shares how his staff approaches player development, motor patterns, nutrition, recovery, and in-season training using tools like force plates, bands, and chains. We also explore his leadership...
Relentless Pursuit: Coaching, Character, and Culture with Ron McKeefery
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In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, we sit down with legendary strength coach Ron McKeefery to explore the intersection of performance, leadership, and faith. From his early days chasing quarterback dreams to shaping elite athletes at the University of Washington and beyond, Coach McKeefery shares hard-earned wisdom on building culture, navigating adversity, and staying grounded in purpose. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or leader, this conversation offers practical insights and spiritual depth for anyone committed to growth.
Coach Ron McKeefery reflects on his journey from small-town quarterback to internationally...
Building Better Athletes: Hunter Haralson Culture, & Coaching Success at Collinsville
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In this episode, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Hunter Haralson of Collinsville Public Schools sits down with Steven to talk about the evolution of high school strength training, athlete development, and what it truly takes to build a winning culture.
Hunter shares his journey from Lawrence, Kansas, to wrestling at Lindenwood University, to becoming a sixth-year Head S&C Coach and leader in one of the most respected programs in Oklahoma. With certifications in CSCS, USAW L1, and a teaching license in Oklahoma, Hunter brings both expertise and passion to his athletes every...
Coaching with Purpose: Inside Owasso Strength & Conditioning with Maddie Haralson
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In this episode, Steven sits down with Maddie Harrelson, Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning at Owasso High School, to explore her journey from Washington, Iowa, to the heart of one of Oklahoma’s most competitive athletic programs. Maddie shares how her experiences at Lindenwood University, Quincy, and Mississippi State shaped her nine-year coaching career and her passion for developing strong, resilient athletes.
The conversation opens with real-life connection—Steven and Maddie talk family, work–life balance, and the challenges of growing careers while raising young children. Maddie discusses how she and her husban...
Surfing the Strength Curve: Tucker Seay on Neural Fatigue, Peak Power, and Coaching Evolution
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Coach Tucker Seay, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Dalton High School, joins Steven to discuss his evolving approach to athlete development and performance. Drawing from his background in exercise science and insights from Super Training, Tucker breaks down how he balances speed, volume, and neural fatigue in his programming.
They explore his transition to head coach, the implementation of the Lightened method with bands for confidence and control, and his findings on optimal power output at 50% body weight. Tucker also shares his progress with sumo deadlifts, maximal tension training, and strategies...
John Coleman: Building Powerlifters, Balancing Roles, and Evolving High School Strength
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In this episode, Steven sits down with John Coleman, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Powerlifting Coach, and Algebra teacher at Pollok Central High School in Lufkin, Texas. John shares his unconventional journey into coaching—starting from being fired from a summer camp job to becoming a respected leader in both the classroom and the weight room.
They dive deep into training high school powerlifters, exploring how John blends 531 programming, max-effort and dynamic sessions, and recovery management to keep athletes strong and healthy throughout the season. The conversation expands into balancing public sc...
Bridging Strength, Spirit, and the Saddle: A Conversation with Coach Blaine Donoho
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In this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Coach Donoho from APG Strength for a wide-ranging conversation that blends athletic performance, coaching wisdom, and a touch of horsemanship. The two discuss the art of developing young athletes, tackling topics like early sports specialization, asymmetries, and injury prevention — all through the lens of practical coaching experience.
Coach Donoho shares insights from his time on the Tennessee State Advisory Board for the NHSSCA and explains how a supportive network of coaches has shaped his growth. Steven and Donoho also explore surprising pa...
Building Championship Culture with Dr. Ivey
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In this episode, Steven Thompson sits down with Dr. Ivey, the Senior Athletic Director for Health and Performance at the University of Louisville, to explore what it truly takes to build a championship-level athletic program.
Dr. Ivey brings decades of experience in sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and mental performance coaching, sharing powerful insights from his time at the University of Missouri, the NFL, and now at Louisville.
The conversation dives deep into:
💪 Strength & Conditioning Coaching Philosophy – Going beyond traditional weight training to create complete, resilient athletes.
🧠 Mental Performa...
High School Strength Coach Deep Dive | Clay Bewley on Athlete Development and Coaching Across Sports
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In this episode, Steven Thompson sits down with Clay Bewley, Speed, Strength, and Conditioning Coach at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise, Arizona, and former coach at Estrella Foothills High School. With over two decades of experience coaching at the high school and collegiate levels — including Northern Arizona, Jacksonville University, Angelo State, UNLV, and Faith Lutheran — Coach Bewley shares powerful insights on athlete development, recruiting, and the evolving landscape of modern athletics.
💪 Topics Covered:
• Building high-performing strength programs across 22 school-sponsored sports
• Implementing the conjugate system and tracking athlete performance
• Managing recruit...
David Abernethy | Tsunami Barbell, Coaching Legends, & Building Explosive Athletes
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In this episode, we sit down with David Abernethy, high-profile strength coach, athlete, and co-founder of Tsunami Barbell. With nearly 25 years of experience as a college athlete and coach at schools like Methodist, Western Carolina, Clemson, Ole Miss, Western Kentucky, and Furman, David has shaped the performance of countless athletes — from Eli Manning to future pros across multiple sports.
We dive into:
• The coaching journey from college sidelines to building Tsunami Barbell
• Working with legends, including the Harbaugh family and Louie Simmons’ influence
• The Speed Force Max Training System and Iron Disc...
From College to High School: Strength Coach Keith Caton on Athlete Development, Recovery & Growth
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In this episode, we sit down with Keith Caton, Head Strength Coach at Manvel High School, whose career spans 11 stops across collegiate and high school athletics, including powerhouse programs like Baylor, Auburn, Syracuse, Missouri, and Indiana.
Coach Caton shares insights on:
“Bill Gillespie: World Record Bench Presser & Legendary Strength Coach”
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What does it take to set a world bench press record at 62? 💪 Legendary coach Bill Gillespie shares his journey from the NFL to Westside Barbell, and the discipline, faith, and training principles that shaped his success.
In this episode, Steven sits down with Bill Gillespie—legendary strength coach, world-record bench presser, and longtime mentor in both athletics and life. Bill shares stories from his decades of coaching at Liberty University, his time in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, and his journey to setting a world bench press record at age 62.
T...
Brad Jenisch: Building Strength by Solving Problems | Prospect High School Performance
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In this episode, we sit down with Brad Jenisch of Prospect High School (Illinois) to talk about what happens when a coach sees a need and decides to build something from the ground up.
We cover:
Bonus*** 🚀 The Future of Recruiting: AI, Equity, and Athlete Rankings with Ligo Sports
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In this episode, Rodney Pierce and Landon Robinson of Ligo Sports explore how AI is reshaping the recruiting landscape. Instead of giving quick answers, they dive into big ideas—tracking stats, creating “power numbers” to rank athletes, improving equity in recruiting, building detailed athlete profiles, and sparking early communication between athletes and coaches. This conversation pulls back the curtain on where recruiting might be headed and how technology could change the game for the next generation of athletes.
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Bill Miller on Eccentric Strength, Velocity Training & Baseball Performance | Swing Fast, Throw Fast
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In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Miller, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), baseball performance coach, and author of Swing Fast, Throw Fast, and Testing is Training. Bill has worked with athletes from Little League through the professional ranks, helping them unlock explosive power, higher velocity, and long-term durability.
A former four-year starter at Trinity Christian College, Bill has built his career around applying cutting-edge methods of strength training and performance measurement to baseball players of all levels.
We dive deep into ec...
Chuck Kearney: Building Athlete-Led Wrestlers | From Oregon to St. Mary’s University
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Former University of Oregon head wrestling coach Chuck Kearney shares his journey from the heartbreak of a cut program to building a player-led, athlete-owned wrestling culture at St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth, Kansas.
In this episode, Coach Kearney dives into:
• How losing Oregon wrestling reshaped his coaching philosophy
• Lessons from his own wrestling days at Oklahoma State
• Shifting from a win-based, transactional program to an athlete-centered, transformational experience
• Why accountability, ownership, and leadership drive long-term athlete success
If you’re a coach, athlete, or parent looking to under...
“From Transactional to Transformational Coaching | Zack Fleming on Bench Press, RSI & Building HS Strength Programs”
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In this episode, we sit down with Zack Fleming, the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Dobyns‑Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. With program leadership since 2015 and recognition as the 2022 Tennessee HS Strength Coach of the Year ℹ️ , Zack brings transformative insight into building an impactful program at the high school level
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
Chukwuebuka “Chuk” Enekwechi | 22.10m Shot Put, Olympic Prep, Nutrition & Pro Wrestling Talk
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In this episode, we sit down with Chukwuebuka “Chuk” Enekwechi, Olympic shot putter, African record holder, and 22.10 m thrower, for an inside look at the life of a professional athlete chasing greatness.
We dive into:
• Preparing for the Olympics and life as a professional thrower
• His massive 22.10 m shot put throw and what it takes to compete at that level
• Pro wrestling conversations and how entertainment ties into athletic mindset
• Nutrition and recovery strategies for elite performance
• Training ideas and lessons learned along the journey of a professional athlet...
“Building Game Speed with Adam Vogel | Athletic Development at Homewood-Flossmoor HS”
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🎙 Podcast with Adam Vogel | Homewood-Flossmoor High School (IL)
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Vogel, a top high school strength and conditioning coach from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Illinois, to break down some of the most innovative strategies for athlete development.
We dive into:
• Square 1 principles for foundational movement and performance
• Tempering techniques for recovery and tissue quality
• Eccentric speed development and how it translates to the field
• Game speed concepts and drills to improve transfer to sport
• Coaching cues and pulse work for maximum athlet...
Andrew Rafferty, Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Clinton H.S. Mississippi
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this episode of Plates & Pancakes, we’re joined by Andrew Rafferty, strength and conditioning coach at Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi. The focus? Rotational power development — specifically for baseball and softball athletes looking to hit harder, throw faster, and move with intent.
Coach Rafferty breaks down the biomechanics behind generating torque, building a strong linear push off the back leg, and creating an efficient block leg to transfer force. We’ll dive into how he teaches young athletes to sequence rotation, improve hip/shoulder separation, and build strength that actually shows up on t...
George Adams, Head Strength Coach at Madison-Ridgeland Academy
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George Adams is in his 7th year as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Adams oversees all aspects of the MRA athletics strength and conditioning program. Since arriving at MRA, Adams has been a part of eight state championships (three football, three boys’ & girls’ track and field, and two boys’ basketball). He has served on the NHSSCA Mississippi Advisory Board since 2020, was named the 2022 Mississippi State Coach of the Year, and is now the Mississippi State Director for the association. Coach Adams has also served as a strength and conditioning coach with t...
BJ Whitehead, Head Strength and Conditioning, Powerlifting and, D Line Coach for Dayton ISD.
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BJ Whitehead is the Head Strength and Conditioning, Powerlifting and, D Line Coach for Dayton ISD. On top of his coaching duties Coach Whitehead is an accomplished Powerlifter hitting a 2000.7 total in raw competition. Whitehead has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin University.
Strength Training Podcast for Athletes, Coaches, and Lifters”“Top Strength & Conditioning Tips for Peak Performance”“Expert Advice on Muscle Growth, Recovery, and Strength Gains”“Sports Performance Podcast: Strength, Speed, and Power”“Evidence-Based Strength Training for Beginners to Pros”Strength for Sport: Conditioning Strategies for Athletes”“Strength O...Tony Dieppa, Strength and Conditioning Coach Noblesville H.S.
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Coach Dieppa is the Head Strength and
Conditioning Coach at Noblesville H.S. Prior to
Noblesville Dieppa spent time at Pike township
as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach,
Assistant Director at TCBOOST, Performance
ambassador for Plae, Assistant Sport
Performance Coach at the University of
Connecticut, Football Strength and Conditioning
Intern at Mississippi State, Graduate assistant
Strength and Conditioning Coach at
Northwestern State, P.E. Wrestling and Football
Coach at Lake Park...
Fourth of July/ Dead week
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Sachin McDonnell, Maximum Sports Conditioning
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Coach McDonnell is the owner of Maximum Sports Conditioning in Bellevue Washington. He is also the owner of Paladin Health and Human Performance, Coach McDonnell’s online training platform. McDonnell trains all ages and levels of athletes from 6-76. His focus is a clientele between 8-18. McDonnell works with TPV concepts taught by Rolf Ohman and Randy Huntington. Coach McDonnell applies these ideas in a conjugate style training system. On top of the training McDonnell is driven by the psychology of coaching, through by-in and trust. An introvert himself these ideas have helped his co...
Bill Nelson, Jamestown H.S. S&C, Head Football Coach
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Coach Nelson is the Head Strength &
Conditioning Coach, Football Coach, and
Physical Education/Health Teacher at
Jamestown High School in North Dakota.
Prior to Jamestown, He spent the first five
years of his career as a collegiate strength
and conditioning Coach at the North
Dakota State College of Science and
North Dakota State University. He spent
time in the public school setting at JPS,
Aberdeen Central HS (SD), Barnes County
North (ND...
Connor Myers, Birdville H.S. (Former S&C for Bixby H.S.)
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Coach Myers is in his first year at Birdville H.S. after 4 seasons as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Bixby Spartans. Before arriving at Bixby, Coach Myers spent 4 years as the S & C Coordinator for Edmond Memorial High School. During this time Coach Myers also served as the Defensive Line Coach for the Football team. Prior to Edmond Memorial, Coach Myers worked as a Graduate Assistant for 2 years at East Tennessee State under Master Strength Coach Al Johnson. Prior to entering the coaching profession, Coach Myers was a 4-year starter on the...
Matt Cates, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Penn H.S.
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Coach Cates has served as the Strength
and Conditioning Coach at Penn High
School for 10 years. Cates has been a high
school strength coach for 18 years and
currently serves as the NHSSCA Indiana
State Director. Prior to Penn Coach Cates
previously coached at Portage High
School, Michigan City High School, and
Martinsville High School. He was named
the 2023 Great Lakes Region NHSSCA
Strength Coach of the Year and the 2024
NHSSCA Strength Coach...
Cody Harvey Speed and Strength Coordinator China Spring ISD
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Coach Harvey is the Speed and
Strength Coordinator at China Spring ISD. On top of his duties in Strength and Conditioning Harvey is the Head Powerlifting Coach, Defensive Backs Coach and Off-Season Coordinator. Coach Harvey has a Master's Degree in Exercise Sport Science from Mary Hardin-Baylor University and served an Internship at Stanford University. Harvey is National High School Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified.
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