East Central University Athletics

From L to R: (Graduate Assistant Trent Elliott, Powerlifting Coach / Graduate Assistant Denton Ross, Director of Strength & Conditioning Arthur Garza, Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning Tillman Hartner, Graduate Assistant Stephen Weisman.
 

For a 360 view of the Pat O'Neal Strength and Conditioning Center


East Central University Strength & Conditioning Philosophy

The East Central University strength and conditioning philosophy is to train for sport-specific power. The definition of power is: strength x speed = power. Strength training, Olympic weightlifting, linear speed, agility and lateral movement, ply metrics, flexibility, balance, and core/stability training all need to be performed to achieve maximum power, muscle balance, and injury prevention. All of these components are also relative to each other; e.g. as the more power the athlete has, the more effective their agility is coming in and out of cuts.

A strong core is necessary to maintain posture throughout all ranges of motion. Proper posture in the core increases force production throughout the entire body, assists in the correct muscle firing sequence in the hips and low back area, maximizes shoulder and back stability, and enhances the safety of the athlete's training. This can be especially important in today's society which is filled with people that have poor muscle imbalances and poor posture. Flexibility to comfortably go through the full range of motion with proper technique in all lifting and running drills is also necessary. For the purpose of both safety and performance in linear speed, agilities, and ply metrics the program starts with fundamental teaching and physical demands while progressing into more complex and sport-specific agility drills, sprinting distances, energy system training, and position sprints.

The weight room is critical to maximize strength, power, and speed training along with eliminating any muscle imbalances or poor posture. Free weights will maximize the development of coordination and stability while also allowing the performance of high power and speed movements to take place in the program.  All weight training movements are also taught in a fundamental movement progression for both safety and performance. The weight lifting movements such as the squat, bench press, and pull-ups are great for lower and upper body strength and Olympic weightlifting will aid in maximizing speed and power.

 
 
East Central University Strength & Conditioning Mission Statement

It is the mission of the East Central University Strength and Conditioning Program is to encourage each student-athlete to strive for excellence. We promote an atmosphere that is conducive to the intellectual, personal, and physical development of each individual student-athlete. Developing a strong relationship with each student-athlete is critical in motivating him/her to realize his/her potential.

We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all student-athletes and contributing to the total educational experience. Our primary objective is to teach the proper fundamentals of training, improving athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.

The Pat O' Neal Strength and Conditioning Center is located on the south side of north football practice field. It was designed to give student-athletes the best opportunity to develop the physical and mental abilities needed in their particular sport. At points during the year the Center may be used by outside groups which have a long-term positive effect on the university and especially the athletic department. First priority is given to those sports in season, especially football.

The Athletic Strength and Conditioning Coach and staff will:

1. Provide student-athletes with the proper instruction on training techniques.

2. Provide student-athletes with year-round training programs.

3. Provide student-athletes with sport-specific training programs consisting of strength, speed, flexibility, agility, and conditioning training.

4. Provide alternative training programs to accommodate the injured student-athlete in accordance with the Athletic Training Room.

5. Be in constant communication with team coaches as to ensure the objectives of the team are being accomplished.

Workouts


The Pat O'Neal Strength and Conditioning Center can be reached by dialing 580-559-5862.