Author

Greg Shepard.

137 articles

Greg Shepard contributed 137 articles to BFS Magazine, from 1980 to 2002 — part of the coaching voice that shaped the BFS Total Program.

Recurring themes include Football, Squat, Bench Press, and Speed. Every story is free — read it online or open the original magazine layout as a PDF.

HOW ONE FOOTBALL TEAM OVERCAME HAZING
Character·2002

HOW ONE FOOTBALL TEAM OVERCAME HAZING

Some seniors subjected several ninth graders to initiation rites involving sexual harassment. Nothing new. Some of the same things had happened at a university I coached at in the 1960s. Nonetheless, it was a serious issue that had to be dealt with rapidly. Because of the sensiti

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WHY DO SO MANY ATHLETES LOSE FOCUS?
Basketball·2002

WHY DO SO MANY ATHLETES LOSE FOCUS?

What can you do to have a greater chance for true success and happiness? One way is to follow the BFS Five Power Axioms For Success. An Axiom is like a formula: follow it and you should attain the expected outcome. Power Axiom #1 is to establish noble goals in a number of areas:

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TAKING THE 11 TO HEART
Character·2002

TAKING THE 11 TO HEART

President’s Note: Steve Carroll, head football coach at Simi Valley High School in California, lives, eats and breathes football, BFS and Being an Eleven. He even made sure that he got married on the 11th. So it was no surprise when he called me for a Be An Eleven Seminar. His at

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BFS
Character·2002

WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS THROUGH STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

KNOW WHAT TO DO A. Train primarily with free weights. Emphasize the hips & legs with Squats and Cleans along with their variations. B. Vary your workouts. C. Weights should only take 3-4 hours per week during the off-season and only two 30-minute workouts during the in-season. D.

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Spring 2002
Character·2002

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Spring 2002

Last August I did a Be An Eleven Seminar for a highly successful head football coach to kick off the season season. I had done two previous BFS Clinics for this coach at another school and he and his team were crowned state champions. Now, he wanted another BFS winning edge. Befo

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SKELETON RACER (Tricia Stumpf)
Baseball·2001

SKELETON RACER (Tricia Stumpf)

Tricia grits her teeth as she picks up her 75-pound skeleton sled. At the right moment, she executes an explosive start, sprinting full speed on treacherous ice. As she reaches top speed, Tricia vaults herself forward coming face down on top of her sled. Her chin is now only inch

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NEVER SACRIFICE TECHNIQUE
Safety·2001

NEVER SACRIFICE TECHNIQUE

The following is a letter from a concerned coach: Dear BFS, I recently had the opportunity to witness some high school athletes doing the BFS version of the box squat. Many of the athletes were using 300 pounds or more. Some of them much more. It appalled me to watch some of them

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Dream the Biggest Dream
Basketball·2001

Dream the Biggest Dream

Last January at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Josh Heupel stood in a light rain with family and friends. He had just led the Oklahoma Sooners to a 13-2 championship victory over Florida State. Josh's family got to the Orange Bowl at noon and they didn't stop the celebration until 3:0

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THE BFS READINESS PROGRAM
Bench Press·2001

THE BFS READINESS PROGRAM

QUICK REVIEW OF THE BASICS Two things must happen to progress. You must be able to do two sets of ten repetitions on four of the core lifts: The Box Squat, Parallel Squat, Towel Bench and Bench Press. You must be able to do two sets of five repetitions on the remaining two core l

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Winter 2001
Character·2001

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Winter 2001

One million teens between 12 and 17 may be taking performance enhancing substances in order to improve athletic performance, build muscle or to just look better. This estimate was determined through a survey commissioned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Creatine was

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GET BFS CERTIFIED
Football·2001

GET BFS CERTIFIED

I believe, in this day and age, every coach who works in a weight room or strength training facility should have some kind of certification. I have not always felt this way. After all, you don’t need to be certified to be a football coach. There are four reasons I have changed my

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TIGER NUTRITION IS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY
Nutrition·2000

TIGER NUTRITION IS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY

Yes, that’s me, Greg Shepard, sitting on a 400-pound tiger. This particular tiger had been captured by the trainer, shown with me, only three months prior to this photo. You can see he doesn’t look too confident. Look at his hips and that little switch is supposed to control this

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A TRUE ELEVEN (P.J. Brown)
Basketball·2000

A TRUE ELEVEN (P.J. Brown)

P..J.’s first memories of serious training are from the fourth grade when he would travel with his dad to BFS Clinics. There, P.J. demonstrated the Dot Drill, Power Cleans, Flexibility and Box Jumps. He did the Dot Drill in 52 seconds as a 4th grader! It is 33 seconds as a senior

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SUMMER 2000
Character·2000

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SUMMER 2000

The more I observe the more I am convinced of the tremendous importance of attitude and focus. Talent is great but I want attitude and focus over talent. To play your true song, to fulfill your true destiny, you must have a great attitude and unwavering focus. In athletics, you m

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ONE STATION DOES IT ALL
Bench Press·2000

ONE STATION DOES IT ALL

The hottest new trend in weightroom equipment and organization is to have one station do it all as far as core lifts and some major auxiliaries. The Ohio University strength and conditioning facility, under the direction of Ethan Reeve, really exemplifies this new trend. Coach Re

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THE THUNDERING HERD (Marshall University)
Basketball·2000

THE THUNDERING HERD (Marshall University)

To many, Marshall does not conjure up much of anything let alone being counted among the nation’s elite football programs. Yet, here they were last January ranked 10th in the nation ahead of Penn State, Florida, etc. after a relatively easy 21-3 Motor City Bowl victory over BYU.

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ANTHONY HICKS (Pacific Lutheran University)
Baseball·2000

ANTHONY HICKS (Pacific Lutheran University)

Anthony Hicks is an eleven. Out of several thousand BFS Clinics done around the world, he is the only high school student to set one up by himself. When Anthony was a junior at Tumwater High School in the state of Washington, his highly successful football coach, Sid Otten, said,

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BE AN ELEVEN STUDENT
Character·2000

BE AN ELEVEN STUDENT

ABOUT GRADES Elevens try to get the best grades for their ability. Elevens learn to play the game of grades. It isn’t much different than playing the game of life. Grades start counting for real in the ninth grade. Everything before that is just practice. Do smart kids get poor g

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THE BFS READINESS PROGRAM
Basketball·2000

THE BFS READINESS PROGRAM

The Bigger Faster Stronger Readiness Program is a weightlifting program which BFS has taught for over 15 years. It is designed for the beginning, junior high or middle school athlete from as young as the 7th grade. It can produce spectacular results in practically any environment

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THE STRAIGHT LEG DEADLIFT
Deadlift·2000

THE STRAIGHT LEG DEADLIFT

Steven Van De Zande, assistant strength and conditioning coach at Jacksonville University wrote the following letter: I noticed in two recent articles in the BFS Winter 1999 Journal full straight leg dead lifts were advocated. It is my professional opinion that the technique show

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SPRING 2000
Character·2000

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SPRING 2000

It is marvelous to contemplate the future. What exciting events will unfold? What new accomplishments will be achieved? What new mountains will we get to climb? BFS will be with you all the way to help you reach your highest personal destiny. That is our mission. Our job is to he

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Basketball·2000

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Most people are elevens in some areas some of the time. Most people fall short of being an eleven some of the time. No one can be an eleven in all areas all of the time but the goal is to try. Like a sculptor, an eleven chisels away imperfections by making goal choices and throug

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BFS 2000 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: BROCK BERLIN
Baseball·2000

BFS 2000 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: BROCK BERLIN

Brock Berlin of Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana is our 2000 Bigger Faster Stronger Athlete of the Year. He becomes the 21st recipient of our most prestigious award. Brock is a true eleven! I attended Brock’s state championship game at the Super Dome in New Orle

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE WINTER 2000
2000

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE WINTER 2000

A man was walking alone down a dark street. He heard a woman’s cry for help. The sounds of a furious struggle came from the other side of a thick, large hedge. The man looked around to see if he could summon some assistance. But alas, he could see he had no training at all for th

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STANDARDS FOR WOMEN
Baseball·1999

STANDARDS FOR WOMEN

Two well known strength coaches have made their findings public. David Oliver, a former NBA strength coach, is now working as the strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Women's Soccer Team. Meg (Ritchie) Stone, formerly the head strength coach at the University of Arizona,

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A NEW BREED: University of Tennessee
Bench Press·1999

A NEW BREED: University of Tennessee

Let's create the perfect offensive tackle. What do we do? Make him big! Like 6-6 and 330 pounds. Make him strong! Like Bench 470, Squat 605 and Power Clean for reps over 300 pounds. Make him fast! Like run a 4.9 forty. Make him explosive! Like vertical jump 30 inches and do a sta

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NATIONAL RECORDS SMASHED: Washington Co. High, GA
Bench Press·1999

NATIONAL RECORDS SMASHED: Washington Co. High, GA

R ick Tomberlin has it going at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia. In his seven years with the Golden Hawks, Tomberlin has amassed an 85-11 record which is tops in Georgia for that period. This record includes playing for the State Championships four times an

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KEVIN DEVINE: Visits Chardon High, OH
Deadlift·1999

KEVIN DEVINE: Visits Chardon High, OH

Chris Palmer, the new head football coach for the Cleveland Browns, came from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was the Jaguars' offensive coordinator the last two seasons. In his new role as the Brown's head coach, the 49-year-old Palmer wanted to bring one player. That player was Ke

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Fall 1999
Football·1999

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Fall 1999

Is your school tops as far as sheer, raw talent? If not, there is a great equalizer. Many times the school with the most talent does not win. That's what makes sports exciting, challenging and rewarding. Four things could have happened when the school with the most talent loses.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Summer 1999
1999

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Summer 1999

Winners Make Goal Choices and Form Positive Habits _________________ ABOUT HABIT I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper, or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward, or drag you down to failure. I am at your command. Half of the tasks you do, you may just as

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FIND A WAY: Jeffrie Banks
Baseball·1999

FIND A WAY: Jeffrie Banks

Coach Jeffery Bonner from Southern Choctaw High School in Silas, Alabama wrote me at BFS. The following are parts of this letter: “For the past five years I have been reading the BFS Journal and the wonderful stories from all across the world. Here is a true story about another u

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NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEEL: Brandon Spoon
Basketball·1999

NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEEL: Brandon Spoon

Brandon Spoon was one of the top linebackers in the nation last year and is slated to be a premier linebacker next season. He has been nominated for the Butkus (linebacker) Award twice. Last season he was a 2nd team All-ACC selection as he led the Tar Heels in tackles (78) and hi

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A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: Sabino High School, AZ
Bench Press·1999

A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: Sabino High School, AZ

Jeff Scurran is one of the coaching giants in the history of high school football. He is one of our BFS Clinicians and last December produced another state championship team. This giant is 5-8 and weighs a hundred and practically nothing. He played high school football at North M

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Spring 1999
Bench Press·1999

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Spring 1999

Remember the Kenny Rogers song about the gambler? He sings, “you never count your money ‘til the dealin’s done.” The same rule applies to athletics, especially football. “You never start your dancin’ ‘til the game’s all done.” I saw three games last Fall where players lost focus

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LSU BASEBALL
Baseball·1999

LSU BASEBALL

The Tigers have appeared in the College World Series seven times already this decade. They have produced 15 All-Americans and 15 draft selections in the first five rounds during this same time period. Alex Box Stadium seats seven thousand and they usually are tops in the nation i

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MEASURING SUCCESS
Bench Press·1999

MEASURING SUCCESS

Measuring success can create so many positive actions in an athletic program. It can certainly be the catalyst in turning a losing program into a winner. Measuring success can provide incentive for a year-in and year-out dominant all-sports program. It can significantly increase

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COREY MOORE: Virginia Tech
Baseball·1999

COREY MOORE: Virginia Tech

Under the guidance of Frank Beamer, one of the nation’s winningest active coaches, the Hokies were ranked sixth in the nation in total defense and second in scoring defense. Leading this charge was Second Team Junior All-American Defensive End Corey Moore. Bud Foster, Tech’s Defe

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YEAR-ROUND UNIFICATION PROGRAM
Baseball·1999

YEAR-ROUND UNIFICATION PROGRAM

The worst thing that can happen is where every sport and every coach is off doing his/her own strength and conditioning program, while concepts and philosophies are totally opposite. Sometimes, where egos are so strong between head coaches, the athletes get confused and their loy

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TAG BOZIED: University of San Francisco
Baseball·1999

TAG BOZIED: University of San Francisco

Baseball America named Tag Bozied a first team All-America and a unanimous choice for West Coast Conference Player of the Year. His performance earned him an invitation to the 1999 summer camp for the USA National Baseball Team. Tag made the cut and was one of only 22 that made t

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STRENGTH, POWER AND BALANCE TRAINING
Baseball·1999

STRENGTH, POWER AND BALANCE TRAINING

Tom Cross is the strength and conditioning coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. He is one of most respected strength coaches in the nation and is a frequent speaker at NSCA conventions. It was there I saw Coach Cross, Dustin Hada and Whitney demonstrate thei

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THREE UNIQUE LIFTS
Bench Press·1999

THREE UNIQUE LIFTS

The Box Squat: We do two squat workouts per week during both the off and in-season. One is a Parallel Squat workout while the other is a Squat Variation workout. Most programs also feature two squat workouts: One heavy and one medium or light. You can't physically or mentally tak

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ROB RITI: Histories Strongest Football Player
Bench Press·1999

ROB RITI: Histories Strongest Football Player

Is Rob Riti history's strongest football player? That is quite a bold statement. I have seen much in my 35 years as a strength coach. Terry Long played at East Carolina and we featured him as history's strongest player in 1983. Terry was 6-0 280 pounds and could do a front flip.

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DARWIN WALKER: Tennessee Vol
Bench Press·1999

DARWIN WALKER: Tennessee Vol

Darwin is an awesome defensive tackle at 6-3 and 300 pounds. He turned down an opportunity to turn pro so he could finish his senior year with the Vols as a team captain and finish his Civil Engineering degree. Here are Darwin's stats: Squat: 625, Bench: 550, Power Clean: 365, To

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IS BFS BEST?
Baseball·1999

IS BFS BEST?

Best For Pros: I believe many types of professional programs are great. Most pro-athletes could not do the full BFS program. The objectives are different. For example, should I tell Mark McGwire, Steve Young or Karl Malone that they need to Squat, Bench, and Power Clean heavy whi

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Winter 1999
Baseball·1999

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Winter 1999

Every coach and athlete featured in this journal has a remarkable passion for excellence. There will always be different styles and methods but nothing will ever replace the importance of passion. Give me a person with a passion for his job or sport over talent or brains anytime.

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BFS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Collin Blackburn
Bench Press·1999

BFS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Collin Blackburn

Collin’s selection was based on athletic achievement in sports, the ability to overcome obstacles, scholarship, leadership, general character and the ability to put life into its proper perspective. Collin has proven his worth in all of these areas and is most deserving of this a

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THE BFS SET-REP SYSTEM
Squat·1999

THE BFS SET-REP SYSTEM

The BFS Set-Rep System is the best thing you can possibly do for your athletes. It blows every other system away. It is amazing every high school, junior college, Division II and III and NAIA school are not on the BFS system. If you are working with advanced Division I athletes o

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COACHING MADE EASY
Baseball·1999

COACHING MADE EASY

Every athlete and coach would find it a blessing in their weightroom and on the field if they implemented the Six BFS Absolutes in exactly the same way. When using different terminology, it breeds confusion. For example, don't say “make your chest big”, say “spread the chest.” Be

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: How High Do You Want to Rise?
Basketball·1998

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: How High Do You Want to Rise?

We are all given two precious gifts in life. One is the freedom to choose. The other is an unspecified time in which to make these choices. How we choose determines our success and happiness. We can choose to be successful. We can choose to be happy. How high we rise is not a mat

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BFS SAIPAN CLINIC
Power Clean·1998

BFS SAIPAN CLINIC

Valrick Welch, has been trying to get a BFS clinic on his island of Saipan for years. He finally succeeded last May. I brought my youngest son, Mark, age 11, along for the ride. Saipan is the capital of the commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and enjoys the stability of the

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BFS
Football·1998

CARBO LOADING - IS IT OVERRATED?

I believe the training principle of Carbo Loading is overrated. With all our improved tracks, running shoes and training methods, we are running distance races slower than ever. Almost all of our American distance records were set 15 to 30 years ago. (See the table on American hi

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STRETCHING FOR SPEED
Football·1998

STRETCHING FOR SPEED

A stretching program should never be used solely for a warm-up for other activities. It is an exercise regimen itself like lifting and running. A stretching program should be done to increase flexibility and range of motion. It must be worked daily both in the off-season and the

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Fall 1998
Basketball·1998

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Fall 1998

Unification of all athletic strength programs and physical education weight training programs will give any school a big edge. Unification is the first item on our BFS Clinic agenda. We believe in training all athletes involved in power sports in virtually the same way. We do not

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THE BFS TIGER NUTRITION PROGRAM
Nutrition·1998

THE BFS TIGER NUTRITION PROGRAM

The BFS Tiger Nutrition Program has evolved to what it is today after months of intensive research, practical use and feedback from hundreds of people. The results have been stunning. Success stories are pouring into our offices on a daily basis. The Tiger Nutrition Program works

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BFS
Football·1998

MEASURING BODY FAT

Body fat measurements are far more important than body weight. It is more indicative of athletic fitness and general health than simply seeing how much you weigh. Most coaches realize this but lack a reliable and/or convenient way to measure body fat. The general public needs mor

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DEVINE POWER
Basketball·1998

DEVINE POWER

Paul Devine, Kevin’s father, was at BYU when I was their strength coach from 1971 to 1973. Paul was a powerful running back. He was impressive. I had him appear in the original Bigger Faster Stronger movie which I produced in 1972. Paul demonstrated the Dead Lift and was shown po

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MASSILLON, OHIO: Where the Pennies Were Buried
Football·1998

MASSILLON, OHIO: Where the Pennies Were Buried

The stadium is part of the Washington Massillon High School on-campus sports complex. It seats 18,000 people and it is where the six divisions of Ohio High School State Championships are played. Those 8th graders in 1993 from Liberty Center who attended their state final game in

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COMBATING DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, GANGS & GUNS
Safety·1998

COMBATING DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, GANGS & GUNS

I. I am worth my highest goal. I deserve success. I will walk, talk, think, act like the successful person I want to be. Write your worthy goals down on paper. Keep them in front of you at school and at home. Everyone deserves success. But, who is responsible for your greatness?

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THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT FAT: Part II
Nutrition·1998

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT FAT: Part II

Let us review the real scientific nitty gritty. If you eat high levels of carbohydrates, like a pop and donut, your insulin level will skyrocket in an attempt to lower blood sugar levels. The insulin will find the fat in the donut and take it to your fat cells. Once the fat is in

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SOUTHERN MISS's ADALIUS THOMAS
Basketball·1998

SOUTHERN MISS's ADALIUS THOMAS

Charlie Dudley, Southern Mississippi's strength coach, loves Adalius Thomas who is emerging as a top pro prospect as a defensive end. “Adalius is a strength coach's dream,” said Coach Dudley. Here is why Coach Dudley feels this way about Adalius or A.D. as he is known by his frie

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TRUE PARALLEL
Power Clean·1998

TRUE PARALLEL

True Parallel Squats among athletes are a rarity. I do not see many, no matter where I go or what level of athlete I am observing. Athletes, in general, do their Parallel Squats above parallel. Sometimes they are six to eight inches high and both coach and athlete will swear they

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PREDICTION COMES TRUE!
Baseball·1998

PREDICTION COMES TRUE!

We have all witnessed baseball's most extraordinary year with the home run hitting of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Two year's ago in our 1996 BFS Winter Edition I wrote an in-depth article on baseball as to why a record number of home runs were hit and made a big deal with the ph

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KEVIN FAULK: Heisman Trophy Candidate
Football·1998

KEVIN FAULK: Heisman Trophy Candidate

Kevin Faulk entered the 1998 football season at LSU with some big time credentials. He has been a pre-season All-American for the last two years and has received numerous SEC awards and all-conference teams in addition to being named National Player of the Week for his 1997 effor

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OHIO UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
Bench Press·1998

OHIO UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL

In 1994, the Bobcats were the 107th ranked Division I-A team and were winless. A change was needed. Jim Grobe was hired as the new football coach. Grobe came from the Air Force Academy where he was the Falcon's linebacker coach. He has also been a head coach at Liberty High Schoo

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JUST JUMP TO CLEAN
Power Clean·1998

JUST JUMP TO CLEAN

I see some Division I strength coaches struggling with new athletes entering into their program trying to teach the clean. It may take them two to four weeks to teach what can be learned in 15 minutes. Through clinics, I have learned that nothing even comes close to the Just Jump

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JAY HUMPHREY: Outland Trophy Candidate
Basketball·1998

JAY HUMPHREY: Outland Trophy Candidate

Jay Humphrey is into his third year as a starter for the Longhorns of the University of Texas. He is an Outland Trophy candidate and made some pre-season All-America teams. Jay is a big player, very big. He is 6-7 307 pounds and plays offensive tackle. At first glance, it would s

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DAVID HARVEY-BOWEN: 1998 BFS Athlete of the Year
Baseball·1998

DAVID HARVEY-BOWEN: 1998 BFS Athlete of the Year

David Harvey-Bowen of Churchville Chili High School just outside of Rochester, New York is the 1998 Bigger Faster Stronger Athlete of the Year. He becomes the 19th recipient of our most prestigious award. Selection is based on athletic achievement in sports, the ability to overco

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DALLAS COWBOYS: Five Time Superbowl Champions
Bench Press·1998

DALLAS COWBOYS: Five Time Superbowl Champions

My first stop at the Dallas Cowboy Complex was the Media Relations department to get a media guide, photos and other information for this article. I was told that practice was at 11:00 AM but nobody is ever allowed on the practice field. Next, I went through the Cowboy locker roo

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BFS
Baseball·1998

BFS STOPS CREATINE

We realize many coaches probably allow their athletes to take creatine because BFS has endorsed its use in the past. We feel a deep responsibility for that trust. We also would never consider corporate profits to influence our decision. We have always put the welfare of the athle

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Winter 1998
Character·1998

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Winter 1998

President Clinton remarked that a little boy had recently come up to him and said, “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” Clinton responded, “I hope I can regain the trust of you mothers out there that you also will want your sons to grow up like me.” I have a twelve year

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Flexibility
Baseball·1989

Flexibility

The BFS 1-2-3-4 Flexibility program is perfect for the high school situation. It’s a state-of-the-art method especially designed for speed. And because it’s designed for speed, it is perfect for all high school sports. The whole school should use the same program; that’s what mak

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Jeroy Robinson
Basketball·1989

Jeroy Robinson

call it Upper Limit! Jeroy has been at it a long time. He started lifting in Editor’s Comments: Bert Hill, Texas A&M strength the 6th grade on a universal gym and then graduated to coach is shown spotting in all photos. Jeroy does a free weights. Jeroy states, “Free weights are m

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Anthony Lawrence
Baseball·1989

Anthony Lawrence

a Anthony Lawrence: Bridgewater College's Division II] All-American . miles from home, Anthony did visit his mother quite often. However, his mother has never seen him play a Anthony “Ant” Lawrence grew up in the “boonies” college football game and Anthony rarely sees his dad. I

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Todd Sandroni
Baseball·1989

Todd Sandroni

OLE MISS By Greg Shepard Todd Sandroni is very deserving of any recognition BFS may provide. I feel confident that kids throughout the country would do well to use Todd as an example and role model. The only thing that overshadows Todd’s: athletic achievements is his attitude. As

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Chad Thorson
Bench Press·1989

Chad Thorson

Chad is an outstanding young man in every sense of the word. He has proved everybody wrong. Every NFL team has expressed an interest in Chad. This young man will not let you down. Chad has an awesome work ethic. Nobody will ever outwork him. He is tough and hard nosed — “Eats nai

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Ross McQuivey
Bench Press·1989

Ross McQuivey

BFS HS. By Greg Shepard Ross McQuivey of Salt Lake City, Utah is the 1989 the tenth recipient of this most award. Selections are based on athletic achievement in sports, the ability to overcome obstacles, scholarship, leadership, general character and the ability to put things in

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Elijah Austin
Basketball·1989

Elijah Austin

one of our High School BFS All-Americas. Players are individuals we select will be successful and produce in By Greg Shepard Every year we honor some 200 high school football players on our BFS All-America team. Elijah Austin who is from Bainbridge High School in Georgia made our

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Gerald Hudson
Bench Press·1989

Gerald Hudson

touchdown on only four carries. Gerald watched and “T chose Oklahoma State University because of the tailback tradition and type of offense that is run, I also learned from the sideline but when he got a chance, he made the most of it. liked the coaches and the weight room,” stat

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Jason Wisner
Basketball·1989

Jason Wisner

By Greg Shepard We feel at BFS that Jason Wisner is America’s Strongest High School Athlete. He is a junior at South Natchez-Adams High School in Natchez, Mississippi. Chris Calcote, the head football coach at Jason’s High School, reports that his amazing strongman is also outsta

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On The Verge
Bench Press·1989

On The Verge

. BFS First Team All-American Tony Grant Box Squatting with Seven Big Plates on each side — 700 Pounds On The Bar! By Greg Shepard Coach Steve Brooks was in his fourth footbal! season at Statesboro High School last fall. He took time to write me a note during that busy season. Co

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Helpful Hints
Bench Press·1989

Helpful Hints

can create great intensity for a set. My son Matt, who is in the 8th grade, has broken at least five records every workout since December. Your kids should do the same. The BFS Readiness Program has been tremendously [t is the fourth week of our four week BFS Set—Rep successful a

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The Winning Streak
Basketball·1989

The Winning Streak

The Nation's Longest Current High School in New Mexico. Coach Billy Henson’s teams have pionships! News Flash—Just before Easter, Coach Henson resigned at Animas HS to coach at Springerville, Arizona's Round Valley High School. 50 AND COUNTING ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL We featured C.B.

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Sets and Reps: Breaking Records
Basketball·1989

Sets and Reps: Breaking Records

low power position. The athlete has his feet close to the The lower left photo on page 18 shows the perfect This new series on Breaking Records is designed to help the many coaches and athletes who are using our BFS Set-Rep System. The critical aspect in making the system work wi

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Ted Barrett
Basketball·1989

Ted Barrett

Story By Greg Shepard I was all set to introduce Ted Barrett as comebackplayer-of-the-year. He overcame a great deal and was at the peak of his football career. Ted was running a 4.42 forty and under a fine and caring strength coach Ian Pyka, Ted Parallel Squatted 450, Benched 37

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Steve Durdan
Baseball·1989

Steve Durdan

GREATNESS LIES IN IT’S PEOPLE! THAT SPIRIT The Durdan farm consists of 500 acres of corn and beans with some livestock. so Steve and his older brother, Greg made a gym out of their Grain Storage facility. In the winter, the grain is stored and the weights are moved to the family’

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Andrew Goudelock:     Perhaps Our Most Inspirational Story Ever
Football·1988

Andrew Goudelock: Perhaps Our Most Inspirational Story Ever

ANDREW GOUDELOCK Andrew told Jim Lofton, his high school football coach, that he wanted to | play football. No other athlete in history may have overcome as much as Andrew | did to play the great American game of football. The bonds of friendship between | | coach and player that

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Pro Basketball
Baseball·1988

Pro Basketball

adjustments. Nothing is ever free. A lot of so-called studs from my high school are now selling groceries. Work ethic “For those who weren't stars, I'd say to really try to get better every day. I know I'm a is everything.” Eric’s mother is six feet tall and his dad, who died one

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John Godina
Bench Press·1988

John Godina

By Greg Shepard John Godina is big. He’s certainly big for his young age of 15. He stands 6-4 and currently weighs 230, but he has weighed as much as 237 pounds. John has always been big. As a 12-year-old, he was already 5-10 and 210 pounds. John has produced some big efforts in

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Jerry McCabe
Baseball·1988

Jerry McCabe

Jerry McCabe, from sixth grade litle league player to New England Patriots Linebacker, with an option to begin medical school at the University of Cincinnati. By Greg Shepard “The game of football teaches you how to handle adversity,” says former New England Patriots Linebacker J

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Tommy Hodson
Basketball·1988

Tommy Hodson

Heisman Trophy Candidate By Greg Shepard “Why do you want to do a story on me?” Tommy Hodson asked with a subdued tone. He thought Bigger Faster Stronger was interested only in athletes who were incredibly strong. I laughed and assured Tommy that sometimes we do stories on skill

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Barry Sanders
Basketball·1988

Barry Sanders

looked at his big brother Byron, who looked up at the stadium stairs at Wichita State. “Let’s do it!” they shouted. They hopped up and up. Their legs pumping and straining, they bounded like kangarvos to the top. Exhausted, they smiled. Mr. Sanders looked at Barry and said, “Son,

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Todd Collins
Bench Press·1988

Todd Collins

BES HLS. By Greg Shepard Todd Collins of New Market, Tennessee, is the 1988 the ninth recipient of this most-prestigious annual award since we began in 1980. The award is based on athletic achievement in sports, the ability to overcome obstacles, scholarship, leadership, general

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Stephanie Armitage: Olympic Lifter
Bench Press·1988

Stephanie Armitage: Olympic Lifter

STEPHANIE ARMITAGE: Olympic Lifting only three months, Stephanie Armitage can Snatch 170 pounds! will compete in the 75-kilogram (165-pound) class in Stephanie Armitage is the assistant strength coach at what I can do yet. Olympic lifting is really fun. You can future meets. Step

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New PRO-ELITE Line of Equipment
Bench Press·1988

New PRO-ELITE Line of Equipment

Most Studly Stuff you can train on.” INTRODUCING THE NEW BES PRO-ELITE LINE We have a New Totally Awesome 70 piece Pro-Elite Equipment Line. It is the Most Massive Equipment made. It’s for those who wish to make a statement: “We got the Best Weight Room in the State.” Our New Pro

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Quest for Greatness
Baseball·1987

Quest for Greatness

Continuing Story by Greg Shepard QUICK REVIEW Chapters 1-8 Quest for Greatness is based on true stories. Travis Drake has just been hired as the new head football coach at Hamilton High School. Hamilton has had a history of losing seasons but the challenge was exciting for Coach

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Quest for Greatness
Basketball·1987

Quest for Greatness

QUICK REVIEW Cha pters 1-7 Quest for Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake is in his first day as the new head football coach at Hamilton High School. He is. meeting with the principal, Mr. Donaldson. The other major character is Rick Steadman who is a junior at

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Quest for Greatness
Character·1987

Quest for Greatness

QUICK REVIEW Chapters 1 -6 Quest for Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake prepares for his interview for a new head football coaching position at Hamilton High School. He contemplates interview strategies and reflects on his past coaching experiences. Coach Drak

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Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Football·1987

Where There's a Will, There's a Way

OUR WEIGHT ROOM - June 1st, 1984 Armed with picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, and an occassional jack hammer, our students and maintenance personnel, along with interested citizens of the community, dug out this massive area of dirt in the cellar of our Middle School. After 13 months

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Quest for Greatness
Character·1987

Quest for Greatness

By Greg Shepard QUICK REVIEW Chapters 1 -4 Quest for Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake prepares for his interview for a new head football coaching position at Hamilton High School. He contemplates interview strategies and reflects on his past coaching experie

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Quest for Greatness
Basketball·1987

Quest for Greatness

THE BEST . :.~,:,-t. FOOTBALL BOOK EVER!">.' .. Comes in Special Manuscript Form!! DOUBLEYOUR MONEY BACK! I'm very emotionally involved in this novel. I want every coach in America to read it. If it isn't the best football book you've ever read: KEEP IT! LET ME KNOW. I'LL SEND YO

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Massillon Tiger Football
Basketball·1986

Massillon Tiger Football

Enrollment 1200 In continuing our series of featuring the elite high school football programs in America, we are proud to present Massillon Tiger Football. (Massillon is sometimes called Washington High School of Massillon.) Football at Massillon is a way of life. There is probab

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Reaction Time Fun
Bench Press·1986

Reaction Time Fun

Auditory Stimulus: Say "Set - Go" on the command of a 3rd person. Visual Stimulus: Go on the movement of a hand of a 3rd person. 6 Part One In a Series by Dr. Greg Shepard This article is the first in a series that will stress two areas in athletics. The first area will be reacti

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Kerwin Bell
Baseball·1986

Kerwin Bell

FROM WALK-ON TO HEISMAN TROPHY CANDIDATE Story by Greg Shepard Kerwin Bell could have quit a number of times. No one would have blamed him. If he had quit, no one would have known the difference. But Kerwin didn't quit and in the face of adversity and discouragement by others, he

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Tony DeGrate
Baseball·1985

Tony DeGrate

DeGrate goes all out every play! Tony DeGrate is one of the most outstanding people in football today. He has outstanding credentials. Tony was the 1984 Lombardi Trophy Winner. The Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the best defensive lineman in college football. He is an All-American

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Tom Doerger
Basketball·1985

Tom Doerger

Greg Shepard. Tom Doerger: N.5.CA. Strength Athlete of the Year and offensive tackle for Notre Dame. Coach Shepard, Tom Doerger and Notre Dame Strength Coach Gary Weill. I first met Tom and his strength coach Gary Weill this past summer at the N.5.CA. Convention where Tom had jus

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Joe Milinichik
Baseball·1985

Joe Milinichik

Joe Milinichik represents a great new breed of athlete. He has worked very very hard to achieve his very best. This new breed of athlete who totally commits to the noble cause of reaching their fullest potential seems to bring out the best in all areas. Joe Milinichik takes pride

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Brian Blutreich
Basketball·1985

Brian Blutreich

has the Best Double in High School Track history with 69-6lfz shot put and a 210-8 Discus Throw! Once in a while a potentially great athlete will come along in high school. Once in a while a high school will have a great strength coach who also really knows his stuff with the thr

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Something Special
Bench Press·1985

Something Special

By Greg Shepard Junior LaSalle Quarterback Doug Shields handed off to his powerful running back who twisted and turned and scampered for 32 yards. An official pulled his flag and the play was called back. "Fifteen yard penalty - Holding!" the official bellowed. Shields goes back

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Kevin Greene
Bench Press·1985

Kevin Greene

After a discouraging Junior year Kevin Greene printed and wore a special shirt "Too Big Too Strong Too Fast Too Quick and Too Tough," and thus the Auburn Tiger Walk On was drafted high as an outside linebacker by the LA Rams! Kevin Greene played for the Auburn Tigers last season

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Soren Tallhem
Bench Press·1985

Soren Tallhem

Height 6-3V2 - Weight 250 40 4.3 - High Jump 7-0 Best Shot Putter In the Nation as of June 1, 1985. Soren Tallhem is an anlazing athlete. All football coaches should listen closely to his story 6 on pages 16 and 18. SOREN TALLHEM cant. from page 6 Soren Tallhem grew up in Sweden

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Oregon State
Bench Press·1985

Oregon State

Dave Kragthorpe: New Head Football Coach Coach Shepard with OSU Strength Coach Reid Elam on the left. .... .... .." .. .. *...... . .. ....... .... ................. ................ ost: tIOW"Ii \1.1, 1\\1_ Tr..... Shonqlh T.,,'" A popular college motivation board! Strength reco

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Knee Braces
Football·1985

Knee Braces

far as injuries resulting from blocking and tackling, the properly trained knee can withstand much more than the untrained knee. However, players are getting bigger, faster and stronger. If a 250 pound player, comes in at 90 miles per hour and hits a planted leg at the side of th

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Something Special
Bench Press·1985

Something Special

By Greg Shepard Junior LaSalle Quarterback Doug Shields handed off to his powerful running back who twisted and turned and scampered for 32 yards. An official pulled his flag and the play was called back. "Fifteen yard penalty - Holding!" the official bellowed. Shields goes back

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Jan Smith
Bench Press·1984

Jan Smith

II Love It All ... the association with the kids, the strategy, the preparation, the game day. But I'm sure there's life beyond coaching./I Story by Greg Shepard This is a very emotional article for me to write. Jan Smith is a very, very special man and is indeed a coaching legen

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Stefan Fernholm
Basketball·1984

Stefan Fernholm

Stefan's 750 squat developed. These powerful 31" thighs which. It was noon and I was talking with BYU's head football Coach Lavell Edwards in December 1983. Just then Clarence Robinson, BYU's long time track coach, comes by and excitedly states "You got a minute, I want you to se

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AJAX: The Recruiter's Dream
Bench Press·1984

AJAX: The Recruiter's Dream

AJAX: This 1800 pound Kodiak bear's head was twisted 180 degrees' Coach Shepard ran for his life and was saved by a US.F.L hopeful' The most bizarre recruiting effort of all time took place this spring by the US.F.L The new league has money and are willing to spend it to get the

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Steve Young
Baseball·1984

Steve Young

was a unanimous selection for first team All-American Quarterback. He finished second to Mike Rozier of Nebraska in the Heisman Trophy award. He broke all kinds of N.CAA records while at Brigham Young University. Young has also finished his first season with the U.S.F.L's Los Ang

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Sean Miller
Basketball·1984

Sean Miller

Sean is perhaps the best ball handler in the world. Sean started on the BFS Program last April. Shown Box Squatting. Sean Miller has been giving ball handling demonstrations with his dad, John Miller, for the last 10 years. At the tender age of five, Sean demonstrated an unusual

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Lifting Competitions in High School
Bench Press·1983

Lifting Competitions in High School

A High School lifter squat cleaning 235 pounds. I'm aware of only one state that has weight lifting competitions as a recognized High School Activities Association sport. That state is Florida. It flourishes mostly in central Florida. The above athlete is from St. Cloud High Scho

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Texas High School Football
Football·1983

Texas High School Football

is unique. No other state is quite like Texas when it comes to high school football. Football is important and that emphasis is certainly present in every phase of the game. The pictures for this article are from 4-A South Park High School in Beaumont. There is one other high sch

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