October 31, 2015

The preparation that few see

Bernard Walls, athletic trainer, stretches the quadriceps of men’s soccer student-athlete Manny Andrade ’16 before a practice. (David Silverman photo)

By Charles C. Joyce

Preparing student-athletes for NCAA Division I competition is a 12-month commitment — both on the part of the College’s Department of Athletics and the athletes themselves. The laser-focus objectives of the department’s Strength and Conditioning staff, led by Kenneth White, and its Sports Medicine unit, spearheaded by John Rock, are two-fold: to prepare the student-athletes physically, psychologically, and otherwise for optimal performances and to prevent injuries.

Sport-specific strength and conditioning training is the core of a comprehensive preparation strategy. Sports Medicine complements training with a sports psychologist, massage therapy, chiropractic, primary care/orthopaedic physicians, and a sports nutritionist/dietitian as part of the everyday life of a PC student-athlete.

Having enviable facilities like the Jimmy Walker Varsity Weight Room and the Canavan Sports Medicine Center doesn’t hurt, either.

Lifting a tractor tire are, from left, Dominik Machado ’17 (men’s soccer), Kris Dunn ’16 (men’s basketball), and Julian Gressel ’17 (men’s soccer). (Photo courtesy of PC Athletics)

Women’s soccer student-athletes Courtney Maguire ’16, left, and Lauren Elia ’16 carry weights during the “farmer’s walk.” (Photo courtesy of PC Athletics)

Brian Kennedy ’17 (men’s soccer) does the agility bag jump. (Photo courtesy of PC Athletics)

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The preparation that few see