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ACE students gain real world experience through club sports partnership

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences athletic  coaching education program has partnered with West Virginia University Club Sports for the third year in a row. This unique arrangement allows graduate assistant strength coaches to provide physical training to sports club participants. Both ACE students and club sports athletes have benefited from the collaboration. 

Prior to this program, a lack of resources left club teams to provide their own strength and conditioning training. Athletes receive a higher level of coaching originally only offered to competitive teams.

“Several WVU sport clubs are quite competitive and take their sport and training seriously. Having someone who can better direct the training process is an incredible asset,” Dr. Guy Hornsby, ACE teaching assistant professor, stated. According to Hornsby, providing strength and conditioning workshops to WVU club teams assures that all training is handled safely and that the student-athletes' progress is tracked.

Additionally, ACE and strength and conditioning minor students now receive   hands-on experience coaching and training student athletes. Bruce Brubaker, program coordinator for WVU Club Sports, reported that the program has been a hit with its participants, enhancing their athletic abilities and helping individuals achieve personal goals.

According to Brubaker, the program is a 'rare' opportunity for club sports participants to receive extra training with qualified and skilled instructors. "Both students and faculty have done a tremendous job running the club sports strength and conditioning program and will continue to impact participants throughout the year," added Brubaker. 

“There are very few schools nationwide who offer a strength and conditioning program for club sports participants. Club sports is very grateful for the efforts of Dr. Valerie Wayda, associate professor, and her graduate students,” Brubaker stated. 

The Sports Clubs Strength and Conditioning program takes place within the CPASS conditioning room every Monday and Wednesday at 4 p.m.

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