Staff

Max Appleby Director of Athletic Performance Kim Faulkner Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Program Overview

A component that is vital to the Radford University athletic program is the strength and conditioning program led by Director of Athletic Performanc Max Appleby. Highlander Athletics have long been recognized as one of the leaders among mid-Atlantic schools in its conditioning and strength training. It has been an instrumental part in the success of RU sports through the years.

Under the direction of Appleby and assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Kim Faulkner, the program is designed to help each student-athlete reach his or her full potential in their respective sport.

Each Radford University student-athlete has strength and conditioning programs unique to their goals as a player. This program, developed by Appleby, helps prepare RU’s student-athletes for the long and rigorous in-season schedule.

Staff

• Max Appleby, Director of Athletic Performance
• Kim Faulkner, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Mission Statement

The Strength and Conditioning staff at Radford University are committed to excellence in competition and in life.  We incorporate a variety of techniques to motivate, educate, guide and challenge the student-athlete. We will cultivate and encourage an attitude of hard work, accountability, team unity and total effort to each workout so the athlete improves physically and mentally, carrying these skills to the field of competition.  We will provide every student- athlete the opportunity to enhance their sports performance and reduce injuries through proper strength and conditioning until they have fulfilled, if not exceeded, their athletic potential.

Training Philosophy

• The foundation of the strength and conditioning program and development of training philosophies is based on current scientific research and practical application.
• Our training program consists of three elements.
1. Systematic- Each aspect of the program has a set goal, supported by specific objectives in pursuit of that goal.
2. Sequential- The program follows a logical sequence from easy to hard and simple to complex.
3. Progressive- training loads are increased to force the body to adapt to training demands.  By changing the volume and intensity weekly, yields a super compensation training effect; that is, the athletes' state of fitness after adaptation to the stress will be at a higher level or state of super compensation.
• The staff is committed to administering comprehensive programs which address:  strength, power, acceleration, speed, agility, core development, flexibility, conditioning, nutrition in the pursuit of developing the total athlete.
• Progress is monitored on a daily basis and determined by goals set by the team and individual.
• Reducing the risk of injury by strengthening weaknesses and working closely with team doctors and trainers through the rehab process.
• Enhancing each individual's self confidence, sense of well-being and overall physical health.
• Instilling a strong work ethic, discipline, and will of heart, which will carry over to field of competition and life.
• Teach leadership to the student athlete to better prepare them for the world of athletics and the life away from their university experience.

Records

The strength and conditiong program keeps a sport-by-sport list of the best performances in selected lifts and tests. Check out the record book after the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year.