Behind the Scenes: NHSSCA National Conference 2026
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Celebrating a Decade of Growth in Muskego, WI
By Joe “BIG HOUSE” Kenn
This past weekend, June 18–20, I had the opportunity to attend the National High School Strength Coaches Association National Conference hosted by Muskego High School in Wisconsin. For those of us involved in high school strength and conditioning, this event continues to be one of the premier educational experiences in the country. This year’s conference carried additional significance as the NHSSCA celebrated its 10th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for an organization that has become a powerful advocate for the high school strength coach. More than 200 coaches from across the United States gathered to learn, share ideas, build relationships, and celebrate the profession. As a proud partner through Dynamic Fitness & Strength, I continue to believe that the high school strength coach is one of the most important members of any educational institution. We have the unique opportunity to positively impact the physical, mental, and emotional development of young people every single day.
The conference kicked off Thursday with a USA Weightlifting Coaches Course led by NHSSCA Hall of Fame member Leo Totten. As always, Leo delivered a tremendous educational experience while emphasizing the importance of teaching movement and developing coaches. Thursday evening’s social event provided coaches from every corner of the country an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and build new relationships. These moments often become as valuable as the presentations themselves.
Friday morning featured the annual pre-conference symposium. These extended sessions have become a conference favorite because they allow attendees to dive deeply into a topic with a master practitioner. This year, coaches were treated to a presentation from legendary University of Oregon strength coach Jimmy Radcliffe. Jimmy’s influence on our profession spans decades, and his ability to simplify complex concepts while keeping the athlete at the center of the conversation remains unmatched.
Friday evening brought the conference’s signature event, the awards banquet. State, regional, and national coaches were recognized for their achievements. Student-athletes earned All-American honors, and the newest members of the NHSSCA Hall of Fame were formally enshrined. It is always a powerful reminder that while our profession is built on training athletes, it is sustained by the coaches who continue to elevate the standards of our field.
The conference format continued with a combination of lecture hall presentations and hands-on practical sessions throughout Friday and Saturday. This balance allows coaches to leave with both conceptual understanding and immediately applicable coaching tools. As is tradition, the conference concluded with raffle giveaways and what has become affectionately known as “sweeping the sheds,” where attendees help restore the facility to its original condition. It is a small gesture that reflects the servant-leader mindset that continues to define the NHSSCA.
Featured Speaker Spotlight: Liane Blyn and The Art of Deadlifting
One of the presentations that stood out this year was delivered by Liane Blyn, Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at Arizona State University. For me, this was a special moment. Liane was a member of my staff during my time at Arizona State in the early 2000s and watching her evolve into one of the most respected practitioners in collegiate strength and conditioning has been incredibly rewarding.
Her presentation, The Art of Deadlifting, focused on what many coaches often overlook: teaching before loading. While the deadlift remains one of the most effective exercises for developing total-body strength, power, and posterior chain development, Liane repeatedly emphasized that successful coaching begins with movement quality. Her central message
was simple and powerful: POSITION BEFORE LOAD. Athletes must earn the right to increase
resistance by demonstrating consistent technique and body control.
What resonated most with the audience was her ability to simplify coaching. Rather than overwhelming athletes with technical jargon, she highlighted practical cues that coaches can use immediately. Whether teaching a conventional, sumo, or trap bar deadlift, the focus remained on establishing strong positions, maintaining trunk stability, and creating force through the ground. Her coaching language was concise, athlete-friendly, and highly effective.
Liane also addressed something that every coach in attendance has experienced: correcting common technical mistakes. From rounded backs and hips shooting up too early in the conventional deadlift to knee valgus in the sumo stance, she demonstrated how coaches can identify movement faults and provide straightforward solutions. Rather than chasing perfect technique, her message focused on helping athletes consistently achieve safe and effective positions.
One particularly valuable discussion centered around the trap bar deadlift and why it has become such a staple in high school programs. Liane explained that many coaches gravitate toward the trap bar because it is easier to teach, places fewer technical demands on athletes, and provides an excellent entry point for force production. However, she was equally clear that no single deadlift variation is universally superior. The best choice depends on the athlete’s structure, mobility, training age, and sport demands. As coaches, our responsibility is to select the right tool for the athlete standing in front of us rather than blindly following trends.
The presentation concluded with several coaching reminders that I believe every strength coach should keep at the forefront of their programming. Teach the hinge before adding load. Prioritize consistency over heavier weights. Use simple cues and coach what you see. Perhaps most importantly, Liane reminded attendees that if you cannot demonstrate an exercise, teach it effectively, and correct it when necessary, you probably should not be programming it. That statement alone was worth the trip to Wisconsin.
Looking Ahead
As the conference wrapped up and coaches began making their way home, there was a clear sense of excitement surrounding the future of the NHSSCA. Ten years ago, the organization was an ambitious vision. Today, it stands as one of the strongest professional communities in strength and conditioning.
The relationships, educational opportunities, and shared commitment to developing young athletes continue to make this conference a must-attend event. Congratulations to Rich Gray, Eric Cash, and the NHSSCA leadership team, the conference staff, volunteers, presenters, and everyone involved in making this year’s event a tremendous success.
Next year, the NHSSCA National Conference heads to the Nashville, Tennessee area and Ensworth School. If this year’s event was any indication, coaches across the country already have something to look forward to.
As always, remember that while the exercises matter, the relationships matter more. Keep learning, keep sharing, and keep serving the athletes entrusted to your care.
— Joe Kenn