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2026 NHSSCA Georgia State Clinic
Venue
State Clinic PRESENTERS

Tyler Nguyen
CSCS, USAW-I/ TSAC-F
Sports Performance Coordinatior
Lumpkin County High School

Kenny Watt
USAW-I, MS, MAT
Head Middle School Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sports Performance Director
Greater Atlanta Christian School

Sam Zanders
CSCS, FRCms, PES, CES, USAW
Director of Strength & Conditioning
Warner Robbins High School

Alberto Johnson
MAT, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Alpharetta High School

Amanda Jagielo
DAT, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Alpharetta High School
State Clinic SCHEDULE
8:00-8:30 am – CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION
8:30-8:45 am – WELCOME
Overview of Day’s Activities & Presentations
8:45-9:45 am – HANDS-ON (NO SLIDES)
Rethinking Movement Prep: How to Design an Effective and Engaging Warm-Up by Tyler Nguyen
OVERVIEW: Tyler will explore how an effective warm-up in high school strength and conditioning can prepare athletes both physically and mentally for training. Rather than relying on routine static stretching, coaches can design movement-based warm-ups that activate key muscle groups, improve mobility, and reinforce sport-specific skills. Using dynamic movements such as lunges, skips, and light jumps, warm-ups can elevate heart rate while building coordination and readiness for the session ahead. Tyler will also discuss how keeping warm-ups purposeful and varied helps maintain athlete engagement and focus. When athletes understand the “why” behind each movement, the warm-up becomes more than a routine—it becomes a meaningful part of performance preparation.
Discussion session: Immediately following this session, coaches will briefly meet in small groups to share experiences, discuss practical applications from the presenter’s remarks, and collaborate on real-world challenges facing their programs.
10:00-11:00 am – DUAL (HANDS-ON/LECTURE)
Foundations of Speed & Agility by Kenny Watt
OVERVIEW: In this session, Coach Watt will outline the long-term athletic development model he uses to build speed and agility from middle school through the varsity level. The presentation will walk coaches through how motor learning and movement competency are developed early and then progress into true sport performance through a three-phase progression. The approach emphasizes establishing efficient movement patterns, kinesthetic awareness, confidence, and familiarity with athletic movement, creating a strong foundation for long-term development. By building these qualities step by step, athletes are better prepared to handle the physical and technical demands of varsity sports while continuing to improve speed, agility, and overall athletic performance.
Discussion session: Immediately following this session, coaches will briefly meet in small groups to share experiences, discuss practical applications from the presenter’s remarks, and collaborate on real-world challenges facing their programs.
11:15 am-12:15 pm – LECTURE
The Main Lift: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing — And Why It Matters by Sam Zanders
OVERVIEW: In this session, the presenter will discuss why the main lift should remain the centerpiece of a high school strength and conditioning workout. Foundational movements such as squats, deadlifts, presses, and cleans develop the strength, power, and coordination athletes need to succeed. When too many additional exercises are added, athletes can lose both energy and focus from the primary objective of the training session. By prioritizing the main lift, coaches can ensure athletes maintain proper technique, appropriate loading, and consistent progress over time. Keeping the main thing the main thing helps athletes build strength safely, efficiently, and with purpose.
Discussion session: Immediately following this session, coaches will briefly meet in small groups to share experiences, discuss practical applications from the presenter’s remarks, and collaborate on real-world challenges facing their programs.
12:15-1:15 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
1:15-2:15 pm – DUAL LECTURE
Foundations of Performance: Nutrition, Hydration & Recovery by Alberto Johnson & Amanda Jagielo
OVERVIEW: Performance in high school strength and conditioning goes beyond the weight room. Proper nutrition fuels training, hydration supports energy and focus, and recovery allows the body to rebuild stronger. Athletes who eat balanced meals, drink enough water, and prioritize sleep are better prepared to train and compete. Ignoring these habits can limit progress and increase injury risk. Teaching athletes the importance of nutrition, hydration, and recovery helps build lifelong habits that support health and performance.
Discussion session: Immediately following this session, coaches will briefly meet in small groups to share experiences, discuss practical applications from the presenter’s remarks, and collaborate on real-world challenges facing their programs.
2:30-3:15 pm – ROUNDTABLE
3:15-3:30 pm – CLOSING REMARKS
Sweep The Shed
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