Our sport performance team has adopted the Tier system as our basis of training. This system involves total body conditioning on a rotating schedule of total, lower, and upper body lifts.

Mission

To establish an effective strength and conditioning program that will enhance athletic performance, reduce injury, and give athletes a better chance to WIN.

Objectives

• To increase the relationship and communication between the Strength and Conditioning Coach and the Athletic Coach.
  
• To educate athletes and coaches on the components that makes up strength and conditioning program. (.eg flexibility, rest, nutrition).
  
• To help decrease athletic injuries and to provide assistance to the athletic training staff in post rehabilitation.
  
• To establish team and individual training goals.
  
• To increase mental toughness and competitiveness.
  
• To put our athletes in the best position to WIN!

Philosophy

Our philisophy involves the use of the Tier System. The Tier System is a total body workout which places emphasis on sport specific movements.

History

Although Howard University student-athletes have always applied themselves toward increasing their strength, stamina, endurance, and mental toughness, it is only recently that the Strength and Conditioning Department became part of the Bison athletic department.

Spearheaded by former Athletic Director Sondra Norrell-Thomas, Howard University officially welcomed the first Strength and Conditioning coach to its family, Coach Keith Comeforo, in September 2002. After Coach K moved on to work with potential NFL athletes, the program was put in the hands of Coach TyRonne "Ty" Turner, who led the program until Travis Coleman took over in the summer of 2007.

Facilities

See where Howard University's athletes sweat their way to become better competitors.

The Bison House of Pain
The Pulse
Greene Stadium
Burr Gymnasium
Training Room

Nutrition

Athletes are encouraged to maintain a daily balanced nutrition plan to achieve optimal performance. Our athletes are further encouraged to consult with the team physician, athletic trainer, and in some cases, registered dietician in order to receive information on individual meal plans. Proper nutrition is essential during a training program. Hydration is equally important with water being the single most important nutrient effecting athletic performance.

Supplementation is a hot topic in today's athletic arena. They have been said to provide athletes with the edge to win over their opponents. However, the Bison athletes have been encouraged and educated to use only NCAA compliant supplements. This is very important in that some substances and supplementation have been said to cause athletes to test positive during NCAA mandated drug tests. Our athletes also understand that the best way to provide your body with what it needs is by eating a well balanced diet as found in the food pyramid. Vitamins and minerals can also provide assistance in your nutritional goals if used to target your body's specific needs. You should not take any supplements before talking with your Strength and Conditioning coach or trainer. Athletes have also been advised on the negative effect that alcohol consumption has on an athlete's training.

Read more about sport nutrition here.

Strength and Injuries

As unpleasant as it may sound, with training and competition often come injuries. So what can you do to prevent those injuries? Here are a few tips.

Train your entire body. Sometimes muscles imbalance can lead to injuries (eg. ACL).

Listen to your body. Allow your body to heal and build muscles. Push yourself, but don't push it to the breaking point.

Drink plenty of fluids. You should never feel thirsty while training. Dehydration is very common among athletes, and can keep you out of competition. It is important to drink fluids at least 2 hrs before competition, during competition and after competition to restore water lost.

Execute exercises correctly! Incorrect technique can result in injury.

Training Tips

Stretching is a very important part of every athlete's training regime. Remember to stretch before and after each workout. Doing so will minimize the chance of an injury while increasing your flexibility and explosiveness.

Some days, you just don't feel like working out. Well, guess what? Your opponent is training and gaining an edge on you. Surround yourself with other athletes that share common goals, and motivate each other to go that extra mile, or lift that extra pound.

Sports drinks such as Gatorade will not only help you prevent dehydration, but will also give you extra energy during your training session by replenishing your electrolytes (chloride, sodium, and potassium)

Remember...Championships are won in the OFF SEASON. Opening day is quickly approaching, and you'll need your teammates to be as prepared as you! Don't take "No" as an answer... along with greatness comes responsibilities.

Alumni

Although many former Howard University athletes have gone on to play at the professional or international level, here are a few of those who have competed since the institution of the HU Strength and Conditioning Department. These athletes are living proof that hard work and determination can get you to the next level.

Ronald Bartell, Jr. - NFL's St. Louis Rams
Antoine Bethea - NFL's Indianapolis Colts
Rhadi Ferguson - 2004 Olympian in Judo
David Oliver - 2004 Olympian in Track and Field
Geoff Pope - NFL's New York Giants
Leonard Stephens - NFL's Tennessee Titans
Brandon Torrey - NFL's New York Giants
Tracy White - NFL's Green Bay Packers
Marques Ogden - NFL's Baltimore Ravens
Serge Sejour - CFL's Ottawa Renegades
Elijah Thurmon - CFL's Saskatchewan Roughrider