University of Georgia Athletics
Strength and Conditioning
June 23, 2008 | General
That is one of the mottos used by UGA strength and conditioning coordinator Dave Van Halanger and his staff in the weight room. Under Van Halanger's guidance, the Bulldogs have a year-round program to ensure that the players are in peak physical condition during the season. Georgia’s weight room features the most progressive equipment in the nation. Offering words of encouragement and guidance, Van Halanger and his staff which includes full-time assistants Keith Gray and Clay Walker tailor a customer-made weight program specific to each student-athlete’s needs and goals. Their offices are conveniently located within the weight room, so they are close to the action at all times. Another integral part of the program is the Leon Farmer Award. Given in honor of Athens businessman Leon Farmer, who was a major contributor in the funding of the Butts-Mehre expansion, the award is presented annually to the player whose dedication to the strength and conditioning program results in a significant contribution to the football team.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Strength & Conditioning program at the University of Georgia is to provide each student-athlete with the opportunity to perform at the highest level possible throughout his or her career. This is accomplished by helping the athletes become as physically and mentally competitive as possible.
The physical aspect of the work includes strength training, cardiovascular endurance, speed training, flexibility and agility improvement, and nutritional consultation. These things not only help the athlete perform at a higher level, but also aid in preventing injuries, and will allow the athletes to remain on the competitive field of play.
From a mental aspect, the athletes learn the importance of hard work and dedication. Each athlete is held accountable for not only their own work, but for that of their teammates as well. Each athlete is expected to be on time for all workouts, and work their hardest to get as much from his or her opportunity as possible.
At UGA the athletes follow a comprehensive Strength & Conditioning program, where each athlete learns to push their self to improve, and to become more physically and mentally disciplined.
The Strength Staff also works closely with the Sports Medicine & Athletic Training Program to help rehab any athletes that may become injured during practice or competition. This aids the athletes in returning to competition as quickly as possible.
The Strength & Conditioning Program offers many things to the student-athletes, and the effects of these benefits can be very long lasting. Our hope is that the things our athletes learn from their participation in the Strength Program will help them become the best students, athletes, and people that they can possibly become.
