L to R: Stu Roche, Jared Bosma, Joel Conzelmann, Katlyn Haycock, Mike Lacivita, Matt Trenary
A handful of the team’s top weightlifting players recently received hands on strength training from U of M Strength and Conditioning graduate assistant Katlyn Haycock. Jared Bosma, Joel Conzelmann, and Mike LaCivita along with strength and conditioning coach Stu Roche and head coach Matt Trenary were taken through the fundamental components of lifting at the Canham Natatorium. The “Nat” is the home lifting base for a variety of Olympic sports including swimming and water polo.
The session focused on the stages of Olympic lifting, mainly the clean. The lift is broken down into individual stages so the lifters can focus on technique. The club members were each able to work on a platform and receive tips and guidance from Haycock. Haycock stated that it takes close to a year for most athletes to work through all of the stages to the full lift.
The session is an important part of the ongoing strength and conditioning education for the rugby club. The players will be able to relay the teachings to their teammates as they work through the team’s comprehensive training program designed by Roche. The team understands the potential of olympic lifting in developing power, a very important factor in any rugby situation. Two more sessions are scheduled for this summer.
