Springfield College is known as the Birthplace of Basketball, but in contemporary history, may be even more widely regarded as the "Mecca" of Strength & Conditioning.
Dr. Brian Thompson (PhD, ATC, CSCS*D, RSCC*D, FMS) was just named the 2021 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Collegiate Coach of the year.
In this episode of the PrideCast, Dr. Thompson's reflects on Springfield's vast coaching tree that has impacted every level of the profession. Springfield's Strength & Conditioning (S&C) alumni are leaders in the field and they are EVERYWHERE: Springfield Coaching Tree
His leadership and mentorship in the classroom, weight room, and beyond has developed elite coaches at every turn.
Dr. Thompson has been at the helm of the Strength & Conditioning Department and the S&C Graduate program at Springfield since 1998. He dives into his experience as a wrestler, high school wrestling coach, and high school official. Thompson discusses why he loves wrestling and his favorite Springfield Wrestling memory.
Thompson received his Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Athletic Training and his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign.
If you want to connect with the 2021 NSCA Collegiate Coach of the Year, you can email Dr. Thompson at bathomps@springfieldcollege.edu.
Episode Breakdown:
1:20: What the award means for Springfield and Dr. Thompson
3:15: The alumni network of the Mecca of Strength and Conditioning
5:40: The culture of S&C at Springfield College
8:15: Balance between being a faculty member, supervisor, and coach
11:45: Sport Specific Training
14:45: How to make gains during the pandemic without equipment
17:00: Starting a career in Athletic Training and transitioning to S&C
19:00: Background in wrestling and why Thompson loves wrestling
21:00: Evolving with the profession
23:10: Favorite Springfield College Wrestling Memory
25:10: 1 minute OT
