In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with Brant Bailey, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Tarleton State University, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of modern collegiate Strength and Conditioning. Coach Bailey shares insider insights on navigating Tarleton State's transition from NCAA Division II to the FCS level, modernizing weight room facilities, and implementing data-driven strength protocols to optimize player performance and durability.

Key Topics Covered:

• Program Transition & Facility Upgrades: Transitioning to FCS, featuring Tarleton State's new 21-rack state-of-the-art facility and dedicated Texan fueling station.
• Staff Operations & Collaboration: S&C team structure, utilizing intern talent for nutrition guidance, and maintaining daily alignment with athletic training staff.
• Training Methodologies & Technology: Programming lower-body strength with Sorex belt squats, leveraging Perch velocity-based training (VBT), monitoring GPS player loads, and executing Thursday power sessions.
• Professional Resources: Top recommended podcasts for coaches, including The Dolce Diet, Les Spellman, and Mind Pump.

Whether you are a strength & conditioning coach, athletic trainer, sports performance specialist, or student-athlete looking to elevate your training protocols, this episode is packed with actionable advice and practical industry knowledge. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with your coaching staff!

This episode features a conversation with Sean, the head strength and conditioning coach at Montana State University. We dive into the philosophy of process-driven athletic training, how Sean manages player health and performance through techniques like Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR), and the importance of fostering a supportive community environment in college football.

Key topics include:

• Career Trajectory: Sean shares insights from coaching across various levels, including time at Velocity Sports Performance, UCLA, and EXOS, and how those experiences shaped his current role at Montana State.
• Injury Prevention & In-Season Training: A look at how the team utilizes structured lifting schedules, body tempering, and "neuropit stops" to optimize player performance and physical health during a demanding season.
• Mental Toughness: Discussion on "stress inoculation" training—preparing athletes for high-pressure environments by simulating distractions and mental challenges in the weight room.
• Culture & Recruiting: How the program focuses on developing players as people, leveraging the Boseman community’s unique support system, and prioritizing the long-term growth of high school recruits.

Whether you're a coach looking for actionable training resources or interested in the behind-the-scenes of collegiate strength and conditioning, this discussion offers practical takeaways on balancing high-level performance with athlete development.

In this episode, James Burk is joined by Orie Sahlfeld to break down the operational realities of collegiate strength and conditioning. Moving past generic programming, the conversation focuses on the "how" and "why" behind building a program that prioritizes long-term athlete development over short-term results.

Key Topics Covered:

• Off-Season Methodology: A deep dive into the use of Triphasic training and Velocity Based Training (VBT) to reset movement quality, enforce squat depth, and manage intensity through data-driven cluster sets.
• Building Accountability: Insights into how to foster a player-led culture using tools like "Finish Fridays" and shared training responsibilities to move beyond ego-driven coaching.
• In-Season Management: Strategies for navigating the transition from summer into fall camp, including weekly training splits, reducing volume to preserve joint health, and managing the logistics of mid-week game schedules.
• The Human Side of Coaching: An honest discussion on the state of the industry, why coaching impact is often overvalued, and the necessity of focusing on the "human being" while simultaneously advocating for professional respect and compensation.

Whether you are navigating staff dynamics or looking to refine your programming for different developmental stages, this episode provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the profession.