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Special Episode | The Godfather of Strength and Conditioning Boyd Epley
You can’t talk about strength and conditioning without Coach Boyd Epley. Regarded as the “Godfather of Strength and Conditioning,” Epley laid the groundwork for the profession and later founded the NSCA in 1978. His 10 Husker Power Principles, developed at the University of Nebraska, remain a cornerstone in programming and formed the basis of sport-specific training. Emphasizing strength and power, Epley implemented testing and debunked the prevailing belief that weightlifting hindered speed. He recounts his journey with co-hosts Eric McMahon and Jon Jost, chronicling how a pole vault injury and exposure to bodybuilding led him to become the first collegiate strength and conditioning coach. What began with cement bars and paint cans evolved into a fully equipped weight room and impressive lifelong career. Additionally, Epley’s open-door policy — even with his fiercest competitors — helped drive the profession forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in strength and conditioning history.
Explore the University of Nebraska’s Husker Power Principles discussed in this episode.
Reach out to Coach Epley by email at boydepley@mac.com. Get in touch with Jon Jost at jonathan.jost@pepsico.com. Find Eric on Instagram @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn @ericmcmahoncscs.
This special episode is brought to you in part by Gatorade Performance Partner. Learn more and join their community at GatoradePerformancePartner.com.
Want to get involved as an NSCA Volunteer? Discover opportunities to lead and share your expertise at NSCA.com/Volunteer. Applications for many positions open in September and October!
Coaches Professional Development
Tests of Core Muscle Power
May 21, 2018by Developing the Core
This article describes two different methods for testing core muscle power. Both of the described methods utilize medicine ball throws.
Coaches Testing and Evaluation
Tests Based on Work Demands and Training Status
June 14, 2018by NSCA
Fitness testing uses a battery of protocols recognized by the scientific community as both reliable and valid, and it measures important fitness constructs such as aerobic endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, agility, flexibility, and balance.
Coaches Exercise Science
Quadrathlon – A Test to Measure Improvements in Athletes
November 2, 2022by Joshua McMillian, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
This article explains the quadrathlon and how it can help strength coaches measure linear speed, speed-strength (power), and elastic or reactive qualities efficiently.
Coaches Testing and Evaluation
A Framework for Annual Planning and Programming for Division II Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Distance Runners
March 2, 2026by Mike Waller, PhD, USAW-2, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, FNSCA, and Ian Bonder, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC
This NSCA Coach article examines strength and conditioning strategies for collegiate distance runners to build performance for outdoor competition. Visit NSCA online to read about sport science.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
Using LTAD to Program for a Middle School Athlete and a High School Athlete: Part 2 – Creating a Developmentally-Appropriate Strength and Conditioning Program
January 28, 2019by Rick Howard, MEd, CSCS, *D
This second article of a two-part series continues the discussion of long-term athletic development (LTAD). This article provides practical application of the LTAD principles by examining two sample programs.
Coaches Nutrition Program design Organization and Administration
Upper Body Power in Mixed Martial Arts
June 21, 2023by Marc Tangeman, CSCS, Andrew Shim, EdD, CSCS,*D, and Ian Bonder, MS,CSCS
The purpose of this article is to justify the importance and advantage to properly incorporate upper body power (UBP) training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes.
Coaches Program design Testing and Evaluation
Beyond the Pool – Improving Swimming Performance with Dryland Training
July 29, 2025by Lawrence W. Judge, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, RSCC*E, FNSCA, and Aidan Biddle
This article in NSCA Coach shares a research-driven framework for dryland training in competitive swimming. Visit us online to learn more on sport performance and exercise science.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Professional Development
Upper Body Power for Law Enforcement Officers
February 9, 2023by Marc Tangeman, CSCS, Ian Bonder, MS, CSCS, RSCC, and Andrew Shim, EdD, CSCS,*D
This article discusses the benefits of an upper body power program for law enforcement officers and how to program this effectively.
TSAC Facilitators Program design
Assessment Batteries—Practical Decision Making for Firefighter Fitness Batteries
April 24, 2018by John R. Bennett, MS, CSCS,*D
In addition to standard health, fitness, or sport assessment guidelines, several guidelines exist for the fire service. Since each agency is different in its preferences, capabilities, and philosophies, applying a standard recommendation may not be possible. This article introduces basic decision-making considerations for fire service assessment batteries.
TSAC Facilitators Program design Client Consultation|Assessment Safety
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