2009 Middle Tennessee Blue Raider Soccer One of the biggest changes in college athletics over the past few years has been the attitude toward strength and conditioning. Performing in the weight room has become just as important as on-the-field competition, and Middle Tennessee has one of the very best staffs in the nation committed to making student-athletes the best they can be.
Assistant Athletic Director Matt Riley oversees all of the strength and conditioning for the Blue Raider athletic teams, including all stretching before practices and workouts as well as conditioning. It all happens in the Blue Raiders’ 10,000-plus square foot weight room facility located adjacent to the north end zone of Floyd Stadium and designed for use by all Middle Tennessee student-athletes. It is a strength training area that rivals any in the country. The weight room has been described by many people as better than any in the immediate area, including those at SEC and Conference USA schools. The facility, which opened in January of 1999, greets student-athletes with over 20,000 pounds of plates and dumbbells, but the sheer volume of weights is not the most impressive aspect of the room. It is equipped with nine full power racks, nine elevated platforms and nine half-racks. Hammer strength equipment rounds out the room with five groundbase jammers, a dead lift, a leg press, a leg curl and a leg extension. Other Hammer strength equipment in the facility includes a bench press, a military press, a rowing machine, neck machine, pull-up and pull-over. An impressive array of dumbbells is also provided for the student-athletes’ use. Two sets each of dumbbells ranging from five to 150 pounds are kept on racks around the room. Mirrors ring the walls of the room to help student-athletes ensure that they are using proper form throughout their workouts. Cardiovascular equipment, such as treadmills and stationary bikes, is also available in the facility. Other state-of-the-art amenities may also be found in the weight room. A television with cable and a state-of-the-art sound system has been installed for the enjoyment of the student-athletes. Three offices for the strength coaches are located in the facility, along with restrooms and a hospitality area.
Strength and Conditioning
17