Saturdays are prime time for college football games, and many fans will spend the entire day binge watching the full slate of games. Whether the football programs win or lose, many of these fans are devoted and loyal. We frequently overlook the outstanding individuals who labor behind the scenes to enable these collegiate players to perform at such a high level. It is imperative to realize that there are numerous people involved in the creation of a winning product on the field. These include strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, video coordinators, and many others. To paint a better picture, a college football team is much like a car; many people are wowed by the exterior of the car, but the parts inside make it go.
Texas Southern University has a terrific collection of individuals who strive to ensure that all TSU football players succeed both on and off the field. Let's get started with strength and conditioning coach Dr. David Phillips. Dr. Philips is laying a solid basis for injury prevention and mental preparation for football games. "We're going to make sure we're playing just as hard in the fourth quarter as we are in the first," he says. Being a former Marine, has given him a wealth of expertise, one of which is discipline, which he imparts to the football players. Following that are the athletic trainers, and to be honest, there would be no games if they did not exist. Their objective is to provide TSU student athletes with high-quality healthcare and medical coverage based on evidence-based medicine. The athletic trainers are with the football players from the beginning to the end of the day. Athletic trainers put in the most hours since they are responsible for taping players before practice, rehabilitation, and recovery. This incredible effort by these excellent individuals is not limited to football; they cover other sports, guaranteeing that everyone is ready to perform at extraordinary levels. Lonzo Giles (video coordinator) and Anthony Joubert (equipment manager) also contribute significantly to the team. Both of them hold positions that most fans will overlook, but their roles are essential to the overall success of an athletic program. Keep these people in mind the next time you see one of your favorite college games.
