Summer Workouts online!!

Incoming athletes can find their summer workouts on the BA website. Find your team on the "Incoming Athletes" side of the page and click on the workout for you. Here is the link:

www.bridgtonacademy.org/scworkouts.cfm

Any questions? If so, please contact Coach Sawicki by email at:

jsawicki@bridgtonacademy.org

or by phone at 207.647.7664

Good luck and stay healthy!!

Finally outside

The SQA program made its debut outdoors this spring with two strong days of work even though it was a little cool and windy. The guys have been itching to get outside so any nice sunny day is a good day. The progressions continued along and soon we will be seeing how the spring work has paid off.

Thoughts on Maine NSCA clinic

I ventured to the OA Performance Center in Saco, Maine on Saturday for the Maine NSCA State clinic. Once again, I was extremely impressed with the speaking lineup and they did not fail to succeed.

Eric Cressey presented the first two topics which were how to continue to train while injured. His level of intelligence continues to amaze me. His speaking presence is outstanding too. He had everyone captivated.

Martin Rooney was the real surprise for me. I had heard of him and seen his name on speaking engagements before, but I had never seen him speak. His first presentation was about how to be a better coach. His combination of story telling, real-life experience, and his ability to convey his program sucked everyone into his presentation. His second presentation was about training MMA style for the general population. He undoubtedly captivated the audience, but the substance of his presentation left me hangning. I thought that there could have been much more explanation of exercises and training regimes, but a good talk nonetheless.

The last speech was given by one of the instructors at the OA Center, Adam Tielinen. The topic had some possibilities, Metabolic Training For Athletes, but he missed the mark. He is a pretty young trainer, and he still needs to find his speaking voice.

Overall, an excellent day. I was also formally introduced as one of the Board of Advisors for the State of Maine NSCA. The other members are: Chris Rizzo, University of New England Pat McCarthy, University of New England Stan Skofield, OA Performance Center Jeff Murphy, University of Southern Maine Heath Pierce, University of New England-State Director

When are getting outside?!

That's the question of the day in recent weeks. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will be this week. With the big snowstorm we had on Friday, the fields went from the possibility of being on them to under 6 inches of snow and back to wet, sloppy mess. It is melting. This weekend was beautiful with bright sun and wind to help dry off the grass. There is still time to go. Keep good thoughts. Coach Sawicki

Spring SQA finishes week strong

The first week of spring SQA finished up strong this week with a large number of participants. 19 hockey, soccer, and football players worked on lateral stability and quickness as we ran through a battery of step, jump, and shuffle & hold exercises. Everyone was thoroughly spent as we finished up with 4 sets of 10 yard shuttles.

Here is a video from last year's hockey SQA program:

Thoughts on the Perform Better 1-day program

I went down to Boston last Saturday for the Perform Better 1-day clinic. I have to admit that I was disappointed with the program. First up was Brett Jones. I was not familiar with him and he gave an outstanding presentation on Kettlebell Push Press. I picked up a few technique keys, but all in all nothing new.

Next up was Lee Burton. I have heard Gray Cook speak on the Functional Movement Screen in the past and this was: different face, same speech. Nothing new here either.

I have always enjoyed hearing Mike Boyle speak and this was no different. His presentation was in essence his life story and he did an outstanding job showing how vulnerable he is. If nothing else, it was really a great story of how perserverance and work ethic can benefit you in the long run. In my opinion, best presentation of the day.

Last up was Todd Durkin. This was the second time I have heard him speak and he is undoubtedly a captivating speaker. His style has never resonated with me, though. I have never been a big rah-rah guy and that's what he is all about. His presentation was about setting goals and how to succeed. It was interesting, but no real take home message.

The afternoon sessions were typical 1-day sessions. I have come to the realization that the field has really hit a plateau lately. Kettlebells, indian clubs, and medicine balls have all come back into vogue and all the personal trainers that attend these clinics eat it up. I guess that we have been fortunate that with the limited budget we have, we have been forced to be a little more creative. Generally, the afternoon session was the same as it has been for a few years now.

Next up on the clinic schedule is the Maine NSCA symposium on April 8th. Eric Cressey is the feature presenter and if you haven't had the chance to hear him speak, you need to. He is an extremely bright guy with a great speaking presence. I am really looking forward to it.

-Coach Sawicki

Spring SQA begins today!!

There might be snow on the ground still, but the spring session of SQA begins today. I am excited to see the turnout. We had a few hearty lacrosse players who let me beat them up twice a week during the winter session. Rumor around campus is that there will be a healthy number of hockey players. Check back for updates of the spring.

-Coach Sawicki

Fitzpatrick Athlete of The Month for Early Winter

BA hockey coach Jonathan Lounsbury stated, "Offense sells tickets, but defense wins games" in defense of this month's Athlete of The Month, Brendan Fitzpatrick. The Winthrop, Mass. native was instrumental in the Wolverines 8-5-1 record before winter break. Coach Sawicki stated as he presented the award in chapel, "Sometimes it is hard to quantify defense. The plays that make a difference can be hard to detect, but it shows in the success of the team". We at Wolverine Strength congratulate Brendan on his award.

You can read about Brendan, as well as previous Athlete of The Month winners here:

www.bridgtonacademy.org/athmonth.cfm