HPNRI Rick and Gail Muncrief Executive Director Lance Walker, speaks to Oklahoma City Public School coaches during the strength and conditioning clinic.

HPNRI, Fields & Futures host high-impact strength and conditioning clinic for OKCPS coaches

Monday, June 9, 2025

Media Contact: Cody Cramer | Assistant Director for OSU System Communications | 405-613-283 | ccramer@okstate.edu

More than 40 Oklahoma City Public Schools coaches gathered last Wednesday for a high-impact strength and conditioning clinic hosted by Fields & Futures in collaboration with the Oklahoma State University Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, OKCPS and the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League.

Led by OSU Athletics’ Director of Strength and Conditioning, Rob Glass, and HPNRI members, the clinic was more than a training session; it was an investment in the people shaping the lives of student-athletes across Oklahoma City’s urban core.

Rob Glass demonstrates proper techniques during the clinic in Oklahoma City.

Research continues to show that physical activity, and sports in particular, can play a critical role in personal development among youth, positively influencing self-esteem, goal-setting and leadership skills. But the evidence is clear, the quality of coaching is one of the most important factors in unlocking those benefits.

That’s why this clinic happened.

“This is a classic example of how we operate at Fields & Futures,” said Dr. David Crynes, executive director of the organization. “We thrive on being the connective tissue bringing together programs and partners who are already doing great work and making something even more impactful.”

Founded in 2012 by Tim and Liz McLaughlin after touring neglected OKCPS athletic facilities, Fields & Futures has completed 71 field projects across the district, totaling approximately $35 million. In 2022, the organization pivoted its mission by shifting from building athletic fields to building teams by increasing student participation in sports.

This starts with equipping coaches.

Glass, a member of the strength and conditioning ECHO, kicked off the clinic in the classroom sharing simple in-season and off-season workouts and strength training plans for coaches to replicate with their football, volleyball, golf, cheerleading and basketball teams. He then led a hands-on demonstration in the weight room focusing on the basics of safe and proper lifting techniques.

This interactive format allowed coaches to ask questions in real time about specific techniques or how plans could be tailored to their athletes, equipment or sport.

“I greatly appreciated coach Rob Glass and the rest of the OSU team coming out and sharing their knowledge and resources with us high school coaches,” said Steven Slattery, track coach at Santa Fe South. “The information provided was not only a great refresher, but also helped establish a foundation from which to build a solid strength and conditioning program.”

Santa Fe South track coach, Steven Slattery takes notes during the weight lifting demonstration.

Slattery said he looks forward to joining the HPNRI Strength and Conditioning Project ECHO series. This free, virtual coaching education webinar occurs every other Wednesday.

“Today’s athletes need programs like this providing information to the community now more than ever,” he said. “I highly recommend any coach attend this clinic or Project ECHO to help take their program to the next level.”

The event also showcased the role of community partners like the OKC Police Athletic League or PAL, which supports youth through after-school and summer athletic programming.

“I think staying active and healthy is important, and I’m happy to support our outreach through PAL,” OKCPD Sgt. Nicole Friesen said. “Our goal is to keep kids off the streets and help them build healthy habits, camaraderie and teamwork. We’re available to these students 24/7, because they deserve that kind of support.”

For HPNRI Rick and Gail Muncrief Executive Director Lance Walker, the clinic fits squarely within the institute’s mission to apply science-backed performance and nutrition practices in ways that improve lives far beyond the OSU campus.

“We believe in training the trainer,” Walker said. “By pouring into these coaches, we’re creating a multiplier effect, helping them reach and positively shape the lives of hundreds of kids across Oklahoma City.”

With more clinics and webinars planned, the collaboration between Fields & Futures and HPNRI is just getting started.

“The coaches are the heroes in this equation,” Crynes said. “What Coach Glass taught them today will make its way into those kids and change lives.”