Three Spartans to be Named Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches
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EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State strength and conditioning coaches Tommy Hoke, Mike Vorkapich and Tim "Red" Wakeham will be honored as Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches (MSCC) by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) on Thursday, May 6, at the CSCCa National Conference in Orlando, Fla. Overall, there were 12 recipients of the highest honor given in the strength and conditioning professional at the ceremony on Thursday night, three of which represent Michigan State. Each honoree will be presented a blue MSCC jacket at the Orlando Marriott World Center. With the addition of the 12 honorees tonight, there are now 92 individuals who have been named MSCC's.
"This is an incredible honor for Tommy, Mike and Tim," CSCCa Executive Director Dr. Chuck Stiggins said. "Being named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach signifies a commitment to the student- athlete, a commitment to the Michigan State Athletic Program, and a commitment to the strength and conditioning profession. We are honored to have Coach Hoke, Coach Vorkapich and Coach Wakeham as members of our association and to have them join the ranks of the Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches. All three are model (strength and conditioning) professionals."
"I am extremely proud of Mike, Tim, and Tommy for being honored with the Master Strength and Conditioning Coach designation," MSU head strength and conditioning coach Ken Mannie said. "The MSCC is the highest recognition you can receive in our profession, and it serves as a testament to their experience, expertise, high standards, and excellence at such early stages of their careers. All of us in Spartan Athletics congratulate them for receiving this exceptional award."
Hoke is in his sixth year as associate head strength and conditioning coach at Michigan State. Hoke is a strength and conditioning specialist, certified by the CSCCa. Hoke received his bachelor's degree in physical education from UNC Wilmington in 1990 where he letter in track and field, competing in the javelin and shot put. Hoke also received his master's in exercise science from Appalachian State in 1993.
Vorkapich is in his 12th season at Michigan State. The former Spartan football letterwinner received his bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education and exercise science from MSU. Vorkapich is a certified specialist with both the CSCCa and the National Strength and Conditional Association. In addition to authoring articles and being a feature clinic speaker at various events, Vorkapich is in his fourth year as the secretary of the Varsity "S" Alumni Club at MSU.
Wakeham is currently in his 14th year at MSU and is the Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports. Wakeman earned his B.S. degree from Northern Michigan University and his M.S. degree from the University of North Dakota. Wakeham is a well-known speaker throughout the country and an established author, having had more than 25 articles published in various national publications along with three book chapters. He also has experience at the NFL, NHL and Olympic levels.
In order to receive this certification and corresponding title of distinction, an individual must first meet the following criteria:
• Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree;
• Be a currently practicing, full-time strength & conditioning coach on the collegiate or professional level;
• Hold current membership in the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa);
• Hold the CSCCa Certification - SCCC (Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified); and
• Have a minimum of 12 years experience as a full-time strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate or professional level.
