2026 NHSSCA Oklahoma State Clinic

8:00-8:25 am – CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION

8:25-8:30 am – WELCOME
Overview of Day’s Activities & Presentations

8:30-9:15 am – LECTURE
Pursuing Continual Growth: A Young Coach’s Perspective by Joshua Poahway

OVERVIEW: This interactive presentation explores continual growth and improvement in the strength and conditioning profession from the perspective of a young coach actively working in real performance environments.

While early in his coaching career, Coach Poahway’s perspective is grounded in intentional learning, self-awareness, and daily application within the weight room and on the field. The presentation emphasizes that professional growth is not defined by years of experience alone, but by consistent reflection, purposeful action, and alignment between coaching beliefs and behaviors.

Attendees will engage in guided discussion and reflection focused on how coaches—regardless of career stage—can intentionally refine their approach, improve decision-making, and continue developing within their own programs.

9:30-10:15 am – LECTURE
Dialing In the Athlete by Elizabeth Mullins

OVERVIEW: This presentation introduces Dialing In the Athlete, a practical framework designed to help high school strength and conditioning coaches empower athletes to take greater ownership of their performance.

The framework centers on controllable habits—including training load, recovery, sleep, nutrition, mindset, focus, stress management, and teamwork—and demonstrates how daily inputs directly influence readiness, consistency, and long-term development. Rather than relying solely on external motivation, this athlete-centered approach teaches athletes to understand why their choices matter and how to self-regulate throughout a season.

Coaches will learn strategies to build athlete self-awareness, improve communication, and create shared language around performance behaviors. The session provides practical tools that help athletes adapt to challenges, remain resilient under stress, and perform more consistently across training and competition.

10:30-11:15 am – LECTURE
A Strength Coach’s Playbook for Young Coaches by Todd Barbour

OVERVIEW: This presentation provides a practical, real-world roadmap for young strength coaches navigating the profession—from their first assistant role to leading a Division I program. Drawing on decades of experience across collegiate athletics, high-performance environments, and administrative leadership, the session outlines what it truly takes to build a successful and sustainable career in strength and conditioning.

Topics include controlling what you can control, mastering daily operations, and effectively communicating across multiple disciplines such as sports medicine, athletic training, nutrition, academics, and administration. The presentation also addresses building strong working relationships with Athletic Directors, Head Coaches, and sport staffs, while managing scheduling, leading staff, handling pressure, maintaining work-life balance, and making decisions that align with long-term professional growth.

This is not a theory-based talk—it is a playbook built from real experiences, real challenges, and real solutions. Whether just starting out or preparing to lead a program, attendees will leave with practical tools, a clear mindset, and a structured approach to thriving in the profession.

11:30 am-12:15 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

12:30-1:15 pm – LECTURE
Building the Offseason: A Complete Summer Training Plan & Calendar by Yancy McKnight

OVERVIEW: This presentation provides coaches with a clear, practical framework for designing and managing a high-impact summer training program. The session focuses on structuring weekly and monthly plans that effectively balance strength, speed, power, conditioning, and recovery.

Attendees will learn how to apply sound periodization principles, organize training blocks, and build a detailed summer calendar that aligns with sport demands and competitive timelines. The presentation also addresses athlete workload management, injury risk reduction, and strategies for creating consistency, accountability, and athlete buy-in.

By the end of the session, coaches will have actionable tools to keep athletes engaged, manage training stress, and drive meaningful performance gains throughout the offseason.

1:15-2:00 pm – ROUNDTABLE

2:00-2:10 pm – CLOSING REMARKS
Sweep The Shed