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State Clinic PRESENTERS
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Mark Harper
M.Ed, CSCS, CKTP
Director of Strength & Conditioning & Head Powerlifting Coach
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge
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Dre Guerin
NCSF-CSC, NASM-PES
Head Performance Coach
Founder of X-Factor Sports Performance
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Joe Ryan
ISSA, HSSCC
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Denham Springs High School
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Matt Bruce
M.Ed, USAW
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Catholic High School, Baton Rouge
State Clinic SCHEDULE
7:30-9:00 am – CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION
8:00-8:10 am – WELCOME
Overview of Day’s Activities & Presentations from Coach Mat Bruce, Director of Strength and Conditioning, Catholic School
8:10-9:00 am – LECTURE
Year-Round Strength Programming for Consistent Athletic Success With Coach Mark Harper
OVERVIEW: This dynamic session with Coach Mark Harper dives into the art and science of building a comprehensive, year-round strength and conditioning calendar tailored to the unique demands of different sports.
You’ll learn how to masterfully design programs that address the specific needs of in-season, off-season, and preseason phases—each requiring its own strategy for maximum impact. Discover how to adjust training loads, optimize recovery, and apply the right stimuli to help your athletes peak at the perfect time.
Coach Harper will also break down strategies for:
- Maximizing strength gains in the off-season
- Maintaining peak performance during competition
- Safely ramping up during preseason
- Minimizing injury risks through intelligent programming
This isn’t just another cookie-cutter approach—it’s a game plan designed to keep your athletes strong, consistent, and competitive all year long.
9:15-10:05 am – LECTURE
Speed Development Made Simple
With Coach Dre Guerin
OVERVIEW: Speed isn’t complicated—it’s natural. In this high-energy, eye-opening session, Coach Dre Guerin will strip away the noise and show you that speed development doesn’t have to be complex to be effective.
This presentation will dive deep into the fundamentals of getting faster, revealing timeless principles that have influenced speed for generations—yes, even since the days when we were kids sprinting around playgrounds without realizing we were training!
You’ll uncover how every movement matters, from the ground up:
- The power of your feet—unlocking explosive starts
- Proper mechanics for smooth, efficient strides
- The role of the spine in enhancing speed and stability
- How to fine-tune every element of your form for maximum acceleration
Whether you’re working with elite athletes or developing young competitors, Coach Guerin will provide practical, no-nonsense drills and strategies that are easy to implement and deliver real results.
10:20-11:10 pm – LECTURE
Turning Numbers into Drive: Using Data to Inspire Athlete Ownership With Coach Joe Ryan
OVERVIEW: In this powerful and practical session, Coach Joe Ryan will show you how to transform basic data into an unstoppable source of intrinsic motivation. It’s not just about collecting numbers—it’s about turning that information into a game-changing tool that helps athletes take charge of their own development.
Learn how to seamlessly use Excel, Google Forms, and Google Sheets to track performance and progress like a pro. But this isn’t just another data entry tutorial—this is about creating a system that fuels passion, focus, and personal accountability.
You’ll discover how to:
- Streamline data collection for quick, actionable insights
- Visualize athlete performance with clear, easy-to-understand metrics
- Turn stats into motivation by encouraging goal-setting and self-reflection
- Build a culture of ownership and engagement in your strength and conditioning program
When athletes see their improvement in real-time, they push harder, stay engaged, and reach new heights. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your data collection strategy into a motivational powerhouse that helps your athletes own their journey—and love the process of getting better.
11:30-12:00 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
12:15-1:00 pm – LECTURE
Teaching Olympic Lifts For Adolescent Youth
With Coach Matt Bruce
OVERVIEW: Join Coach Matt Bruce, an expert in strength development, for a dynamic session that dives deep into the art of teaching Olympic lifts—the snatch and clean & jerk—to adolescent athletes. Whether you’re working with beginners or refining techniques for advanced lifters, this presentation offers the blueprint for building a safe, effective, and high-impact Olympic lifting program.
You’ll learn how to:
- Break down complex lifts into easy-to-teach, step-by-step progressions
- Emphasize proper form and technique to prevent injuries and ensure maximum gains
- Develop exercise selection strategies tailored to the needs of young athletes
- Manage large groups effectively—keeping athletes engaged and motivated
- Build confidence and skill that translates directly to on-the-field success
Whether you’re coaching in a weight room or leading a team on the field, this session will arm you with practical tools and coaching cues to help your athletes lift stronger, move better, and develop championship-level performance.
1:15-1:45 pm – ROUNDTABLE
1:45-2:00 pm – CLOSING REMARKS
Coach Matt Bruce