Monte Sparkman @MonteSparkman Twitter profile

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Monte Sparkman

1 year

I’ve known Ken & Kevin almost 20yrs. You won’t find better people in this sport. Proud to be apart of the @KLAPowerlifting family. Use code: Spark98 when you order! Excellent equipment, excellent service! #andersonadvantage

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Group 1 Med ball corn hole #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Coaches: Your job is not bigger than your health. That is the tweet.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Performance Skee ball!!!! #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

The most potent weapon you can have in your athletic program is an effective middle school program.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

The “extra” workouts most athletes will benefit from: 1. “Extra” hour of SLEEP, 2. “Extra” MEALS, 3. “Extra” HYDRATION #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

As we continue to progress towards Fall, our COD drills become a lot more organic and reactionary in nature. #freakfactory #darkside

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

This, right here!!👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 #goalz This fridge may not be the reason this program has had 7+ state championships in multiple sports over the past few years, but it sure doesn’t hurt!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

This one hurts. RIP.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Clean Progression: From med ball to barbell scarecrows. First learned about scarecrows from my good friend. @CoachJohnson61

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Cramping during a game has MORE to do with the CNS than a lot of people think. That’s why inseason max sprinting is so valuable. Can’t just flip the switch during the game. Must practice maximal sprinting during practice. One reason GPS data is valuable. Practice how you play.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

#obstaclecourse #relay #freakfactory #darkside #compete

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Teaching the catch with a med ball. Great pair when working clean tech/complex.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

This is one of the hardest working kids in our program. I’m so proud of him!!! Don’t let anyone say you can’t get stronger in season. Welcome to the 300lbs. Clean club!!!!! #darkside #freakfactory #jointheREBELlion #CONFIDENCE

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Excited for the next chapter…

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

If you are a high school coach and you aren’t learning from other high school coaches, then you are missing the boat. Learn from people in the same situation as you. The upper levels are interesting and fun, but most of what they do doesn’t apply to our level.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

If one of the top Women’s basketball programs in the country can lift pre practice, your team probably can too. Good stuff!!!!

Andrea Hudy

@A_Hudy

3 years

20 min pre-practice non-fatiguing lift 💪🏽

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

#PROCESS

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Middle school developmental athletes should be performing maximal sprints and jumps, not running laps or miles.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

There is no football, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer “lift.” Period. End of story. Exercises are selected for specific physical adaptations, not sport.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Experimenting with a new single leg variation today. Like it a lot. Kids liked it too.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Thank you @Richlandhigh for the past 8 years! Thank you to all my athletes, you will be missed! Azle Nation, I can’t wait to get to work! @azleathletics @azleisd

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Movement and technique work from today. Broad jumps, switches, and 0-10 yard timed sprints today. #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

MPH, bar speed, weight, RSI, velocity profiles, are all important KPIs. I was reminded this morning about maybe the most important KPI: ATTENDANCE.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

“Coach, I’m going to pull 285lbs before I graduate.” This is Sam, she’s on our tennis team, she’s a rock star!!! A triple body weight deadlift is a rare sight. Our tennis athletes dominate in the #freakfactory Proud of their work this year!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Too many coaches bashing other coaches/programs on here. We all have things in our programs that we can do better jobs at. No program is perfect. We should look to offer effective solutions through coaching education instead of through judgment.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Softball trying something new today

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

As summer training begins this week a few thoughts: It won’t be perfect tomorrow, you’ve got 6-8 weeks, use them accordingly, don’t try to get it all on the first day. Enjoy your athletes, enjoy your coaches, have fun. Enjoy the process. Don’t burn the steak.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

6 years

High School HC/ADs - Identify a coach on your staff who you want to be in charge of your strength and conditioning program and provide an opportunity for them to get CERTIFIED. There are many options out there some better than others. Invest in your coaches.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Found an acceptable set up to help our athletes perform Nordics through the full range of motion. #freakfactory #hamropes

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Taking an off season program developed for college athletes and replicating it at the HS level is not the answer. Athletes at the HS level have distinctly different needs than those at the college level. You wouldn’t take someone else’s medicine when sick, would you?

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Seeing more and more Texas HS coming on board and hiring full time strength and condtioning coaches. Hats off to those districts who are investing in their student athletes. Congrats to the coaches who are stepping into those roles. This is progress.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

If your kids play sports, let them know you are proud of them. My daughter said her team was going to win this week. She said she wanted to make me proud. I told her I was proud of her every time she steps on the court. Has nothing to do with wins and losses.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Summer training considerations: don’t chase numbers, don’t burn the steak, intelligent progression, micro dose sprint work, just because you can doesn’t mean you should, meet your athletes where they are, and finally don’t let today ruin tomorrow. Slow cook the process.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Have to give credit to @WannaTeachPE for this one. The kids loved it!!! #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Intro’d @CoachJohnson61 staple called scarecrows. Teaching athletes to “pull” under the bar. Working on shuffling the feet. Get tall, then get small. Pause at the bottom. All part of the #freakfactory process. Post game days are a great time to work technical concepts.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Why to hire a high school strength coach summed up in one quote, “ We haven’t had the injuries in the weight room that we have had in the past.”

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

“Coach, it’s my senior year time to get right”. If you have to wait until your senior year, then it’s already too late.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Math teachers don’t teach English. History teachers don’t teach Science. Sport coaches shouldn’t teach strength and conditioning.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Training isn’t just about the muscles. Don’t forget about the nervous system.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

Now, more than ever, high schools need to hire qualified strength and conditioning professionals to handle the return to play of their athletes once school returns. Not sport coaches, not teachers who serve in the capacity. This is crucial to the safety of the athletes.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

10 months

Hot take: Keep t-shirts on in the weight room.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Basketballers lifting heavy INSEASON

Alan Bishop

@CoachAlanBishop

2 years

LET. THE. BIG. DOGS. EAT. Last set of 5/3/1/5/3/1 wave loading @UHCougarMBK @theJayfrancis10 @Robbiearmbreste @KHoops9 @RyanElvin12

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Maybe I’m wrong, but an endurance athlete doesn’t need more endurance training in the weight room. A little strength goes A LONG WAY. Don’t fill buckets that are already full. Don’t burn the steak.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Sprints, jumps, and throws should be the main dishes in a performance program. Bench, squats, clean, pulls, etc should all be used to enhance the flavor of the main dishes. Keep it simple, keep the main thing, the main thing. #freakfactory #dontburnthesteak

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Being a good strength coach is more than just creating training. It’s being able to implement the session, being able to add energy, focus, adapt, adjust as needed. It’s more than just a piece of paper, or numbers on a screen. The great coaches are able to deliver an experience.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Our freshman spend all year learning to deadlift & front squat properly as part of our #blockzero program. We are now beginning to teach them how to clean going into our summer program. Clean complex from today using @RackPerformance to set the cadence. #freakfactory #darkside

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

If you don’t do anything else over this time away - SPRINT!!!!!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

You are one wrong decision away from ruining your life tonight. Enjoy the holiday, friends, and family. Be smart. Make good choices. Plan ahead. Happy New Year.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

“Coach, this is light.” My response used to be, “add more weight.” Now when this happens my response is, “move the bar faster.” Adding more weight isn’t always the answer just because a movement isn’t difficult. #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

HS Powerlifting season is upon us: 1.Set your openers lighter than you think. 2. Squat lower than you think. 3. Wait for the press command. 4. The excessive backwards lean in the deadlift isn’t necessary. 5. Wider isn’t always better in grip and stance.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Why we sprint!!!!!!!!!!

Clay Lavigne

@Claylavigne

2 years

Fast players are fast in the fourth quarter. Everyone is going to be tired in the 4th, you can’t prevent that… raise the ceiling of Max Velocity and you will still be faster than the opposition running at your 80-90% late in the game. (Speed Reserve)

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 months

Second special exercise stolen from @CoachJohnson61 years ago. @DeMariusLogan Demoing Scarecrows. Coaching cues, get Tall, get Small. Drop, and Stop. Shuffle the feet out. From jumping/pulling feet to squatting feet. #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

“Absorbing force”. Most people don’t get hurt on the way up. Teach athletes how to land and ABSORB FORCE. 👏🏼👏🏼

HoundsSpeed+Strength

@houndsspeed

2 years

2L takeoffs and landings. Being able to safely absorb more force faster invaluable to both performance and health.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

This is the most impressive lift I’ve seen by a HS athlete!!

Kyle Keese

@kylekeese

4 years

‘21 @GabeBlair29 throwing around 375 on clean. #differentbreed

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 months

Humbled to have nominated for @NSCA high school COY.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Maximal sprinting and jumping are the best things you can do to improve “explosiveness”. Weight room activities can enhance this process, but should never be a replacement.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Making some ham ropes!!! Impressive work by this freshman. #freakfactory @Azle_hoops

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Yes, you can, and should train on game days!!! Too many benefits!!!!

Zach Dechant

@ZachDechant

2 years

Game day lifts hit different on the road.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Another reason for high schools to hire a strength coach: Paraphrasing conversation with sport coach, “Coach, my stress levels have gone way down since you got here. I don’t have to think about what we are doing in off season each day.”

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Dad, I want to lift…

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

A lot of programs want athletes constantly moving and lifting heavy weights this time of year. But how many are actually teaching athletes HOW to move and HOW to lift? A house is only as good as it’s foundation. Can’t do calculus, if you can’t add and multiply.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

School districts wanting to hire a full time strength and conditioning coach should look at the athletic trainer model. It’s proven and has been working for many years now. It shouldn’t be that difficult. #2020 #safetyfirst

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Thanks to @dane_dorris for sharing this. Simple, effective. Grid w/ chase #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

This is a high school!!!! Owasso gets it!!!!!!! They are on an entirely different level. Hats off to them and Jordan.

Jordan Johnson

@jcjohnson40

4 years

One of the biggest factors in performance is proper nutrition. In addition to our post training nutrition Owasso High School has raised the bar for students with the new Performance Table for breakfast and lunch! It’s a great time to be a Ram! #FuelingChampions

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Most important parts of these next few weeks leading up to start of season for fall sport athletes:Sleep, Hydrate, and Eat! Lack of sleep ➡️ increa. chance of injury; Lack of hydration ➡️ increa. chance of injury; Lack of nutrition ➡️ increa. chance of injury. See a pattern?

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Poetry in motion

All Things Gym

@allthingsgym

2 years

Effortless 115kg 253lbs clean and jerk by Kuo Hsing-Chun! #weightlifting #weightlifting #olympicweightlifting #slowmotion

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

6 months

Middle school athletes need to focus on max sprinting, jumping, & reaction games. Not how much weight is on the bar. These athletes have 7 years to develop. Use them. Slow cook em. Rarely is the strongest athlete in middle school, the best athlete when it’s all said and done.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

Maybe lifting during the playoffs and season is important for basketball players?? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

Alan Bishop

@CoachAlanBishop

3 years

NCAA Tournament Weight Room That ain’t bad!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Listened to the good doctor @DormanStrength and tried the RFE lateral hops today with @Azle_hoops Went through a little progression and then a couple other variations.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Here’s another example - first athlete had the choice to create his own path, second athlete had to chase #freakfactory #darkside

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Facts. My little girl is 13 today!😢😢

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

If your sport is currently in off-season mode, the goal should not be lifting maximal weights right now. The goal should be to increase GPP, recover from season, teach, refine technique, and install your performance program. I don’t want the strongest athletes in December.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

You can’t speed up results in 6 weeks from the work that didn’t get done in 6 months. Improving athletic performance is a process. It takes time for adaptations to take place. Bad things happen when you try to speed up the process. #dontburnthesteak #slowcookem #trusttheprocess

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Game Day Lifting (with Sample Training Session) #darkside #freakfactory

Game Day Lifting (with Sample Training Session)

During Richland High School’s last football season, I combined the conjugate method and the tier system for programming game day lifts. Seeing the results thus far, I intend to continue the program...

www.elitefts.com

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

All the strength in the world looks good, but if you can’t move and display it during sport, then all you are is strong. Do athletic things. Those should be the focus. Don’t be the strongest person not in the game.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

September: Man, Coach why are we doing all these bodyweight exercises?? I’m not going to be as strong as I was. November: Coach! I just PR’d!!!! Trust the process. #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

7 months

Stealing this!! Love it!!!

Viking Athletic Performance

@SMWestStrength

7 months

We’ve been implementing variations of scarecrows from @MonteSparkman Usually on the barbell, using the band makes an easy way to reinforce “punching” the elbows through, and slightly spreading the feet on the catch. Progress down from sternum to mid stomach. Great example ⬇️

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

It’s ok to give athletes permission to exercise their personalities in the weight. Don’t forget they are in classes all day. They need time interact, socialize, and……….. have fun. Give them a chance to have some autonomy.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

God has a way of bringing perspective back into our lives. This morning our youngest went before the church and announced she has accepted Jesus into her heart. Thankful for our church and church family for mentoring her in faith.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

10 months

New PR!!! 17 years! Happy Anniversary!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

VBT devices, jump mats, lasers, are all good measuring devices for your program’s KPIs. But don’t forget about the most important KPI - SMILES on your athletes faces while training. That’s what it’s about. If they ENJOY being there, they WILL get better.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Hangs for time. Great way to get some extra grip work in. Really like placing these after compressive movements like squats or pulls because of the added decompression benefits. #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

200lbs front squat from RW! #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

6 years

I am amazed by the number of high school districts that will pour thousands of dollars into a facility, but then will turn around and not spend the money to hire someone qualified to run it.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

It’s never too late: My Mom, (cancer survivor, smoker of many years, recovered from Covid - twice!, was sent home on oxygen) called Friday to tell me that she walked a mile! At 62, she stopped smoking and doesn’t use the O2. So proud of my Mom and what she is overcoming!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

Now, more than ever, HS’s should have a singular duty coach responsible for athletic performance program. I couldn’t imagine being a sport coach and trying to plan for summer performance program and prepare for an upcoming season. Chase 2 rabbits, catch none.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Why we front squat

Coach Wayland | Physical Training Craftsman

@WSWayland

1 year

If you live & die by EMG Then Front squat > Back Squat

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

Working on eccentrics with volleyball today. Can’t be all gas, and know brakes. #darkside #freakfactory

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

👀👀👀👀

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

6 years

It’s not about the logo,or level of athletes you coach. Surround yourself w/ good people who want to become the best versions of themselves. I don’t care if you are D1 or D-none. Be humble,train & learn as much as possible so that you can give back to the athletes you coach.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

If you signed early………keep working. If you signed today…….keep working. If you didn’t sign today…….keep working. If you want to be the one signing in the future…….keep working. Don’t Stop!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

4 years

If you support high school strength and condtioning and you support high school strength coaches, then I think it’s probably a good idea to promote high school strength coaches. Just a thought.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

If you are preparing for a fall sport, over summer, the training emphasis should begin to shift from a weight room emphasis to more of a movement emphasis. The weight room should complement the movement, not detract from it. Strength and hypertrophy shouldn’t be the main focus.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

5 years

You can have all the technology, bells and whistles; but in the end, athletic performance comes down to the art of coaching and building relationships.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

If the hips shoot up first in the deadlift, you greatly increasing the lifter’s chance of low back injury. Coach athlete to push the floor away so that the chest and shoulders rise first. Lifts aren’t bad. Not knowing how to coach them is.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Trained some deceleration today. #dynamiceffortmethod #freakfactory #justaHScoach #whatdoIknow ??🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

3 years

A lot of summer performance camps start tomorrow. Athletes, make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep, eat breakfast, hydrate (should have started already), have your post training snack planned out. Success lies in the preparation. Prepare to DOMINATE!!!

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

1 year

Exercises and movements in the weight room don’t make a program special. Standards and execution does. How you things is what will separate your program. Everyone has bars and weights. The standard is the standard.

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Monte Sparkman

@MonteSparkman

2 years

Got asked today if I always program a row or rows when we bench. Answer: YES, ALWAYS YES. Athletes need all the pulling they can get. Today was upper emp, and we started with pull ups, and then went to bench with rows. Can’t get enough pulling. #freakfactory

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