Oklahoma State University’s Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute and OSU Center for Health Sciences’ Project ECHO are providing research-informed training and resources for coaches.

In June, HPNRI hosted an in-person High Performance Coaching Clinic for 40 participants, many of whom were from Project ECHO’s Strength and Conditioning, Building Healthy School Communities, and Athletic Training - Sports Medicine sessions.

Project ECHO participants engage in a virtual community with their peers where they share support, guidance and feedback. The clinic was an opportunity for those participants to meet each other and get hands-on learning from HPNRI, OSU faculty and OSU Athletics staff.

Lance Walker, the Rick and Gail Muncrief Executive Director of HPNRI, said the goal of the clinic was to apply evidence-based knowledge into action.

“This clinic combined the best available science with decades of expert experience, transforming it into practical tools our participants could use to shape their decision-making process with their athletes, students and communities,” he said.

Sessions covered a range of topics, including movement and warm-up systems; speed, agility and change of direction; foundational strength training and power training. Additionally, attendees explored methods for assessment and creating individualized strength and conditioning programs.

“We chose these topics to address the real-world challenges coaches, teachers and trainers face every day,” Walker said.

Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations in athletic settings, including the weight room, football field and track.

Speakers and session leaders included Walker, Rob Glass, assistant athletic director for speed, strength and conditioning, and Jay Dawes, professor of applied exercise science.

Jerryd Nelson, strength and conditioning coordinator at Bishop Kelley High School, attended the clinic as a member of the Strength and Conditioning ECHO Hub team. He said the experience was beneficial to attendees at all levels.

“It matters most for schools that do not have big budgets or large staffs. A lot of us are doing this work alone, and a clinic like this gives you the knowledge and confidence that you are on the right track. Everyone in the room left with something they could take straight back to their athletes,” Nelson said.

Shane Hansen, department chair of health and sports science education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, also attended. He said he believes that partnerships between organizations like HPNRI, Project ECHO and other institutions are the key to advancing athletic health in Oklahoma.

“When we come together, share ideas and learn from each other, exponential growth is possible. Creating a diverse network of professionals in the fields of performance and health will enhance the profession. In doing so, we can have a tremendous impact on the health of all Oklahomans,” he said.