Back Row, Left to Right: Matt Segura (U of M – GA), Jason Cole (U of M – Assistant Coach), Erik Myrra (U of M – Intern 2013), Mike Favre (U of M – Director), Mike Caro (U of M – Intern 2013), Trevor Klump (U of M – GA), Stuart Roche (U of M – Head S&C Coach Rugby)
Front Row, Left to Right: Brett Mitchell (U of M – Intern 2011), Anthony Velazquez (U of M – Intern 2012) Doug Berninger (U of M – Intern 2012), Lew Porchiazzo (U of M Assistant Coach)
Earlier in January, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Stu Roche attended the National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NSCA conference is regarded as the most comprehensive meetings of thought on training methodology, injury prevention and sports performance enhancement in the United States. The conference comprises keynote lectures, meetings of special interest groups and workshops covering an array of topics.
Coach Roche had the following to say about his time in Indianapolis, ‘The conference was a productive meeting of forward thinking scientists and practitioners alike. It was a great way to meet fellow coaches from all different sectors of the industry. I’m excited to be bringing back cutting edge training strategies related to repeated effort sports performance, power production, and speed.’
The UMRFC will continue to utilize these sources of knowledge, projecting the team toward an elite training model. By utilizing scientifically backed methodologies and implementing new and validated training strategies Coach Roche will improve the individual and team performance of the UMRFC.
‘I was pleased to attend a SIG (special interest group) meeting with a specific focus on rugby. The demands of the sport of rugby are very unique. Which other sport in the world requires a 220lb athlete to have the endurance to cover a distance of 4-6km, the muscular frame and power to make 20+ high impact tackles per game, and the anaerobic capacity to repeatedly sprint at 100% of maximum effort, often with little time for full recovery afterward? I am confident that these SIGs on rugby will continue to grow in number and expertise, especially with the 2016 Olympics on the horizon.’
Coach Roche has his sights set on May 31st when the UMRFC will travel to Philadelphia to compete in the Collegiate Rugby Championship Rugby 7’s tournament.
‘Over the coming months I will be asking a lot from the players as we focus on high intensity interval training, maximum power output, and their ability to recover quickly following repeated sprint efforts.’
