
State Clinic PRESENTERS

Erin Booher
USAPL, NGA
USAPL Youth Chairperson and Referee
eCLIPSE Powerlifting and Rising Star Gymnastics

Bram Wood
MS, CSCS
Head Strength Coach
Mt. Vernon High School

Christopher Smith
USAW 1-2
Head Strength Coach
Marion High School

Matt Cates
USAW, SSC, HSSCS, HSSCC
Head Strength Coach
Penn High School
State Clinic SCHEDULE
8:15-9:00 pm – CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION
9:00-9:05 am – WELCOME
Overview of Day’s Activities & Presentations from Coach Scott Pherson, Fitness & Performance Director at Concord High School
9:05-10:15 am – LECTURE/HAND-ON
Flexibility, Mobility, and Strength Through Gymnastics + Powerlifting by Erin Booher
OVERVIEW: Are you ready to explore the incredible synergy between gymnastics and powerlifting? Erin Booher is transforming the athletic landscape in Bloomington, Indiana, blending these two disciplines to create record-breaking athletes and setting the standard for excellence in both sports.
Here’s why you can’t miss this session:
- Learn from a Pioneer: Erin has grown her gymnastics team into a powerhouse, incorporating powerlifting into their training. She’s now a USAPL Youth Chairperson, NGA National Program Director for Adult Gymnastics, and a leader in elite powerlifting coaching.
- Proven Expertise: As a coach, facility owner, meet director, referee, and athlete, Erin brings unmatched experience to the table, working with numerous record-holding athletes.
- Blend of Disciplines: Discover how gymnastics builds flexibility and mobility, while powerlifting develops unparalleled strength. Erin will show you how to seamlessly integrate these approaches to maximize athletic performance.
- Actionable Takeaways: Regardless of the lifts or methods you prefer for your high school athletes, Erin’s presentation will provide practical insights you can implement immediately.
This is more than a presentation—it’s a masterclass in combining flexibility, mobility, and strength to create well-rounded, high-performing athletes.
10:30-11:45 am – LECTURE
Assessing Athlete Archetypes and Their Superpowers by Bram Wood
OVERVIEW: As coaches, the key to unlocking an athlete’s full potential starts with truly understanding who they are—physically, mentally, and structurally. Assessing Athlete Archetypes: Understanding Their Superpowers dives deep into the foundational principles of biomechanics and anatomy to help you take your coaching to the next level.
Here’s why you can’t miss this session:
- Understand the Starting Point: Learn how to assess where each athlete is beginning their journey—structurally, mentally, and physically.
- Discover Athlete Archetypes: Identify unique athlete “superpowers” and create archetypes to better categorize and serve your athletes.
- Tailored Programming: Explore innovative programming ideas to optimize performance in a group setting by addressing each archetype’s specific needs.
- Visual and Physical Assessments: Gain practical tools for assessing athletes and making informed coaching decisions that lead to better results.
- Elite Form Demo: See how cutting-edge technology can enhance your assessments and programming.
This session will transform how you view and coach your athletes, giving you the tools to build individualized programming within a team environment.
11:45-12:45 pm – LUNCH PROVIDED
More Than a Meal, It’s a Networking Opportunity: Lunch at the NHSSCA Clinic is not just about grabbing a plate and catching up with your usual circle. It’s a chance to collaborate, share, and expand your professional network. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just stepping into the field of high school strength and conditioning, this is your moment to connect with coaches who inspire, mentor, and challenge you to grow.
If you leave this clinic without making at least one new connection, you’ve missed an incredible opportunity to grow professionally and personally. The NHSSCA is more than an organization—it’s a #FAMILY, built on shared knowledge, support, and a commitment to making each other better.
So, don’t just eat—engage, listen, and learn. The people sitting around you might change how you approach coaching forever. Let’s make this lunch one to remember! #NHSSCA #FAMILY #CoachingConnections #GrowYourNetwork
12:45-2:00 pm – LECTURE
Building a Championship Culture: Developing, Growing, and Embracing Success with #PVO by Christopher Smith
OVERVIEW: Culture isn’t just created—it’s intentionally developed, nurtured, and embraced. Join Coach Smith as he shares his proven framework for creating a Positive and Productive Environment (#PVO) that drives success on and off the field.
Here’s what you’ll take away:
- Purposeful Development: Learn how to intentionally shape a culture based on shared values, beliefs, and behaviors.
- Consistency and Accountability: Discover strategies for maintaining high standards and building trust within your program.
- Leadership and Growth: Explore how to develop leaders, leverage testimonials, and inspire transformation within your athletes.
- Fostering Belonging: Create a sense of ownership, family, and belonging to strengthen your team’s bond and commitment.
- Actionable Insights: Coach Smith’s philosophies are practical and adaptable, giving you tools to implement these cultural strategies in your own program.
This presentation isn’t just about building a team—it’s about building a legacy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your culture to the next level, Coach Smith’s insights will equip you with the tools to make it happen.
2:15-3:30 pm – LECTURE
Maximizing Speed Training for Large Groups: The Penn Way by Matt Cates
OVERVIEW: How do you effectively train 100 to 400 student-athletes to improve speed in just a 40-minute block? Coach Cates of Penn High School has cracked the code and is ready to share his proven system for success.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Efficient Speed Development: Discover how Penn High School uses warmups, speed drills, and max-velocity sprinting to boost athlete performance.
- Organized Training for Large Groups: Learn strategies to manage and maximize speed training with hundreds of athletes in limited time.
- Data-Driven Success: See how clubs, data tracking, and targeted programming contribute to measurable results.
- Balancing Performance Needs: Explore how speed training is integrated with weight room and overall athletic performance programs during the school week.
- Real-World Applications: Take home actionable insights to implement this approach in your own school or setting, no matter the challenges.
This session provides practical, adaptable methods to optimize speed development for large groups, all while working within the constraints of time and resources.
3:30-3:045 pm – CLOSING REMARKS
Coach Scott Pherson
Who's coming?
14 people are attending 2025 NHSSCA Indiana State Clinic
