High Point Hires Strength Coach
Posted by Bryan Rothamel on July 26, 2007 · Leave a Comment
Strength CoachWell, I started this whole thing with the idea of writing about High Point University athletics. So I finally have something to write about with HPU in mind.High Point University just announced the hiring of an athletic strength and conditioning coach. Matt Jennings will now work along with all of the head coaches to build championships at HPU. This was much needed and well over due. It is hard for me to understand how HPU was expected to compete with just the simple knowledge from the head coaches when it came to lifting weights.I find problems with the old scenario that are now corrected with the new hire of Jennings. First off, instead of spending time drafting plays, recruiting players, watching game film, figuring out game plans, etc. HPU coaches were working on their players’ strength. Of course, this probably didn’t take up as much time as I like to think it could have. I’m sure Bart Lundy, men’s basketball coach, did not lose recruits to UNC-A because he had to work on Cruz Daniels’, sophomore center, lack of strength. But this is something that needed to be addressed.Let’s look at the men’s basketball team first. Gerald Minnis is a nice wide body for the post and has good size for Big South competition. He holds his own very well and rebounds nicely. Arizona, AZ, Reid obviously has the strength to compete against HPU’s opponents. He was one of two players nationally to have an average of 20 points and 9 rebounds; the other one was drafted by Seattle Supersonics in the first round, second pick. I forget his name…So HPU had two starters that were at competition level last year. Daniels has a whole bevy of talent and it will be interesting next year. He has the size (6’11”) and the will to exceed. Now he will have the chance to have the strength to not only out reach opponents for rebounds and blocks but also out muscle. I can’t wait to see his development this upcoming year under Jennings.Let’s go to a few women’s sports at HPU to examine this hire. The women’s soccer team had a not impressive year last time on the pitch. This year they will have the chance to close games out with this new coaching role available. You would have to think that the conditioning part of new job will kick in for many sports and soccer is a long game to play. The basketball team definitely had problems closing games out and they should look to improve with the help of head coach Tooey Loy and the expertise of Jennings.All around this is money well spent by the athletic department. Many people have been critical of some decisions made by athletic director Dr. Woody Gibson. This is one that cannot be disputed. This will be an all around good idea.Matt Jennings, the 411
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