Samson's College and High School Strength and Conditioning Coaches of the Year

Division I-AA: Russell Patterson-Appalachian State The pace of an Appalachian State football game is dictated by their no-huddle offense.The breakneck scheme results in a high number of plays and keeps both sides of the ball in constant readiness. Having them prepared for the full 60 is the job of strength and conditioning coach Russell Patterson. It must be working. The Boone, NC Mountaineers captured the Southern Conference title with a 6-1 mark, were 12-3 overall, and captured the ultimate prize: the National Division I-AA crown. Patterson, who came to ASU in the summer of 2004 after six years at Clemson, believes the number one ingredient in developing a young player is speed. “There’s no substitute for it,” he says. But, of course, there’s more. “My overall philosophy is that it’s important for the kids to be as strong as they possibly can be but I don’t ever want to