2026 NHSSCA Michigan State Clinic

8:30-9:00 am – CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION

9:00-9:05 am – WELCOME
Overview of Day’s Activities & Presentations

MINI CHALK TALKS
These sessions are short, 30-minute, coach-driven discussions held immediately after each main speaker. These interactive sessions are designed to turn ideas into action by pairing coaches together to share what they actually do in their programs, followed by brief group share-outs. An advisory coach guides each mini-session and focuses on a practical topic, giving attendees take-home strategies they can apply immediately.

9:05-9:50 am – DUAL: HANDS-ON/LECTURE
Berrien Springs Tri Phasic Program and Neurological Integrations for Performance by Bob Taylor

Overview: This presentation focuses on the triphasic process he uses at Berrien Springs High School, along with the neurological integrations we incorporate into this program. This lecture and hands-on lab will give attendees practical ideas to incorporate into their own programming.

9:50-10:15 am – MINI CHALK TALK #1
Leadership Development with Brent Cummings

Overview: This session focuses on how coaches intentionally develop leadership within their programs. Coaches will pair up to share strategies for empowering athletes, building accountability, and fostering ownership among all athletes. The discussion will center on practical, repeatable habits that foster leadership at every level of the program. The session will be kicked off by Advisory Coach Brent Cummings, who will share how leadership is built into the daily training culture.

10:30-11:15 am – DUAL: HANDS-ON/LECTURE
Simplifying Speed Development and Customizing it to the High School/Large Group Setting by Jim Kielbaso

Overview: As a leader in the field, Coach Kielbaso will share his expertise with our audience and provide a set of drills and concepts to enhance your student-athletes. Jim is a published author of several books and articles in our field. He has trained thousands of athletes from youth to the professional ranks. He continues to work with youth, High School, and professional audiences, enhancing everyone’s development. He has trained hundreds of athletes prepping for the NFL Combine. He is a champion of the Long-Term Athletic Development philosophy.

11:15-11:45 am – MINI CHALK TALK #2
Bell Ringers & Starters with Joel Madsen

Overview: This session explores how coaches start each class or training session with purpose. Topics include bell ringers, motivational prompts, questions, mini competitions, and routines that immediately engage athletes. Coaches will exchange ideas on how they set the tone, reinforce standards, and create consistency from the moment athletes walk in. Advisory Coach Joel Madsen will open the discussion by sharing effective strategies for structuring daily starters.

11:45 am-12:30 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

12:45-1:30 pm – LECTURE
The Process of Power: How to Structure a Successful Speed and Strength Class by Craig Swieton

Overview: Coach Swieton will discuss his transition to the high school setting and outline how he runs his program. He will share lessons learned over the past several years from implementing his Speed and Strength program at Meridian Early College High School. Coach Swieton intentionally uses the phrase Speed and Strength program. Craig’s presentation will make you rethink your paradigm. Attendees will gain a progressive perspective on creating and maintaining a sound program.

1:30-2:00 pm – MINI CHALK TALK #3
Making Warm-ups Intentional with Joe Chiramonte

Overview: This session dives into designing warm-ups that do more than “get warm.” Coaches will discuss how to align warm-ups with performance goals, movement quality, and injury reduction. Emphasis will be placed on intentional progression and transfer to sprinting, jumping, and throwing. Advisory Coach Joe Chiramonte will lead the session by outlining his Jump / Sprint / Throw methodology and how it shapes his warm-up structure.

2:15-3:00 pm – HANDS-ON
Hands-on Coaching – Return to Play – Helping the Injured Athletes by Riley Barlage

OVERVIEW: Coach Barlage has been an integral piece to the Bulldog Program, working under the direction of Colton Haynes. Ferris State has produced several national champions in recent years. Coach will explain how the Bulldog staff addresses injured athletes by outlining their return-to-play protocols. You will feel the energy in her presentation that she shares with Bulldog Nation. Attendees will be able to implement several strategies immediately upon returning to their respective schools.

3:00-3:30 pm – MINI CHALK TALK #4
Using AI in the School Setting with Richard Kirby

Overview: This session introduces coaches to simple, practical ways to use AI within a school environment. In a live demonstration, coaches will see how to create a quiz or short podcast in about one minute using AI—ready to be placed directly into a school learning management system such as Canvas or Schoology. The focus is on accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use, showing how AI can save time while enhancing athlete learning and engagement. This session is designed to be immediately applicable and accessible, even for coaches with no prior AI experience.

3:30-3:45 pm – CLOSING REMARKS