Photo by Adam Vogler
Emporia High teacher and weightlifting instructor Randy Wells was named the NSCA High School Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year at the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s conference this summer in Las Vegas.
Randy Wells brought something a little extra back home after his trip to the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s conference this summer in Las Vegas.
Not only did he learn some new information, he also came home with a national honor.
The Emporia High teacher and weightlifting instructor was named the NSCA High School Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” Wells said. “It really hits home in the fact that, ‘Hey, I have influenced some people along the way and have made a difference in somebody else’s life.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
Wells was chosen after being nominated by a peer in the organization. He was then selected after a vote of the 35,000 NSCA organization members.
In June, Wells received a form letter in the mail and also an e-mail notification that he had won the award.
“I was pretty well shocked,” Wells said. “ ... It was a pretty awesome deal.”
For his accomplishment, Wells received a plaque and also a discount on some new equipment. He also was honored during an awards banquet at the national conference.
Wells first became a member of the NSCA back in high school. He was certified with the organization in 1990 and has attended the four-day national conference the past 16 years.
Wells said the gathering had helped him each year to come back with new ideas and exercises for his students.
“That’s why I go each year, because each year it’s different,” Wells said. “The main thing is to keep athletes challenged. You have to have a lot of tools in the tool box to do that.
“You never get away from your basic core principles, but there’s always something new you can implement.”
Olympic lift progressions, teaching progressions, hamstring development progressions and core development are just some of the training techniques that Wells has started at EHS thanks to information he has received at the conference.
Wells also is the state president for the NSCA — a position that is meant to help get correct and up-to-date information to all interested high school and college coaches and athletes in Kansas.
In November, Wells will organize a state clinic for athletes and coaches that will present a variety of topics about strength and conditioning.
Comments
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Posted by gnogal (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to Coach Wells! Students participating in his weightlifting/athletic conditioning classes are taught proper techniques for lifting and conditioning, they can apply what they learn in his classes to other sports, and most importantly they are shown, by example, how to be healthy and physically fit for life. Coach truly cares about his students and has been a very positive influence for many of them over the years. Way to go Coach Wells.....display your well deserved awards proudly!!
Posted by eldiablo (anonymous) on July 18, 2008 at 2:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This comment has been deleted by the Emporia Gazette staff.
Posted by spensanity (anonymous) on July 18, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is about time this man was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the field of strength and conditioning!! He has had a great impact on many students and student athletes at Emporia High School and ESU. He has taught the youth how to lift and condition the CORRECT way by teaching proven techniques year after year. Just look at his track program at EHS----year after year of outstanding performances by the student athletes he trains. Not only does he train his sports teams, he is involved in training athletes from all sports teams at EHS. It is just a shame he isn't teaching a full load of strength and conditioning classes at EHS. He should be available to educate all students and student athletes who want the proper and most up-to-date techniques for their individual sports. KUDOS to Randy Wells for putting forth that "extra-effort" to become one of the top educators in his field!!
Posted by jayhawker (anonymous) on July 18, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Randy Wells is one of the most dedicated coaches that we have had. He teaches life's lessons in a way that the kids will remember forevermore. I wish that I had his talent. Thanks for everything, Randy.
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