In conjunction with Tidewater Performance, a branch of Tidewater Physical Therapy, Walsingham Academy launched a new strength and conditioning program open free of charge to its students grades eight and above this month.
The yearlong program is sponsored by Walsingham’s Athletic Booster Club and is being run by one of Tidewater Performance’s certified strength coaches, Tadd Bower.
In addition to working on functional movement, balance and proper running technique, the program aims to increase overall body strength and contribute to injury prevention.
Trojans’ Athletic Director Neil Bailey said the program will be held twice a week for the next year, and was pleased to announce roughly 60 student-athletes have been participating regularly during the first three weeks. He said the plan is to continue to program into the school year with hopes of renewing the school’s contract with Tidewater Performance next June.
“One of the best lessons our children can learn from competitive sports is the correlation between preparation, hard work and athletic achievement,” Bailey said.
Bower, who is also certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, USA Weightlifting and Crossfit, graduated in 2011 from the College of William & Mary where he received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and was a four-year starter on the Tribe’s baseball team.
“To say I’m excited to work with Walsingham’s athletes would be an understatement,” Bower said. “It’s a big opportunity for them, and depending on their existing level of fitness and their level of focus, the athletes will be stronger and able to move much more efficiently.”
