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AFM Magazine


Reaching the Top

Over the years, Nebraska football has become synonymous with words like tradition, domination, and of course, winning. What is sometimes overlooked, however, is the role technology has played in creating the institution that is Husker football.
by: Scott Dannehl, M.A.
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With its groundbreaking use of computers, video cameras and advances in research in human kinetics (just to name a few), the University of Nebraska has become known as "the birthplace for strength and conditioning in collegiate athletics." The person most responsible for the inception of not only Nebraska's strength and conditioning program, but also programs throughout the country, is Director of Performance Boyd Epley.

Epley began his career with Nebraska in 1969 when he became the first strength coach in the Big 8 Conference. In his 31 years at Nebraska, Epley and his staff have helped develop one of the premier football programs in the country. But they didn't do this without some help. Technology has played an important role in bringing the Husker football program to the elite level it is at today.

One of the most obvious, yet crucial advances that have benefited the Huskers is the computer. "It used to take about two weeks to process test data and distribute it to the coaches." says Epley. "Now it takes about an hour an a half, thanks to computers and email."

Another advantage computers have provided the Husker program is the ability to create strength and conditioning programs for each individual athlete. In the late 1970s, Epley and Mike Arthur, current Director of Strength and Conditioning, released the "Strength Disk." "Basically, this helped coaches create computer-generated workout programs for their athletes," Epley says.

Since then, Nebraska and Epley have begun using "Power 5.1," a software application developed by David Leon that allows you to accurately compare one athlete to another - without worrying about the differences between apples and oranges. "It doesn't matter what size the athlete is," says Epley. "Everything is taken into consideration."

Power 5.1 also includes the celebrated "Husker Power Performance Index Points."

"A heavier athlete running a fast 40 time would receive more points than a lighter athlete running the same speed," Epley explains. "Anything over 500 points is outstanding."

Another way technology has helped the Huskers is showing the athlete proper technique in all facets of the game.

"Technology has helped technique as much as anything," continues Epley. "We can take a video of a player, download it into the computer, show the athlete where they need improvement or what they are doing properly, burn it onto a CD-Rom and let them take it back to their room and study it.

"Downloading the information has also allowed us to measure such things as speed, power, force, and also watch for any problems in the athlete's form, which may indicate a possible injury."

One of the most useful tools, according to Epley, is the video camera. "A video camera seems very simple but it is the best way to provide feedback to the athletes. When you show them, a light usually comes on and they can see where they need to make improvements."

Epley is quick to mention, however, that Nebraska's high-tech system of testing and performance enhancing did not happen overnight.

"We had to chop down a lot of trees to get where we are today," says Epley. "There was no path to follow and Mike (Arthur) and I had to do a lot of research to stay on top of things."

And stay on top of things they have.

"A lot of programs - both high school and college - count on us. We are proud of our principals because they have evolved from all the research that has occurred."

The Husker program has evolved from a staff of one, Epley, to a staff of 35, each with their own computer and all networked together. The staff even has their own computer technician strictly dedicated to the strength program.

"It is important for everyone to know that I have not done all this on my own," Epley says. "How lucky am I to have someone think about what's best for me and the program? Before I even have a problem, suggestions and corrections are made so the problem never even occurred. It is amazing."

Two other members of the Husker staff who play key roles in the success of the team are Bryan Bailey, Coordinator of Research, and Michael Langan, Human Movement Analyst. Bailey and Langan are currently working with some new technology that is definitely state of the art.

"One piece of technology we are currently using is the Safe-Alizer," says Bailey. "Basically, the Safe-Alizer is a computer-controlled spotter. It recognizes if the lifter is in trouble and will lift the weight off the person's body before there is a chance for injury."

Bailey is also excited about another piece of technology called the VEEPASS, or Video Enhanced Explosive Power Assessment System.

"The VEEPASS uses a new form of technology called force plates, which determine the athlete's explosiveness," Bailey says. "It also allows us to watch the lift in real time or store the information for future use."

Langan is currently working with a program called the Never Ending Athletic Trainer, or NEAT.

"NEAT allows us to quantify, compare and contrast between different athletes, different exercises or a combination of the two," Langan says. "Another advantage to this system is that it is completely portable."

Along with all of this high-tech equipment, Nebraska also has some more simple luxuries, such as three different types of speakers in the weight room. One is set for music, one for video, and one for voices. Yet another detail the Huskers have not overlooked is the addition of color-balanced lights.

"Due to all the TV crews that are always in the weight room," Epley says, "we thought it would be easier to install color-balanced lights so they wouldn't have to set up their lights all the time.

"None of this would be possible without the full support of (Nebraska Athletic Director) Bill (Byrne)," Epley continues. "Many schools don't even have a budget for strength and conditioning, we are lucky."

So what does the future hold in regards to technology?

"We are just beginning to scratch the surface," Epley says. "I think the future is going to be wireless and voice-controlled. We are already starting to see some things being developed."

No matter how far technology advances, one thing will remain the same, according to Epley.

"We have our principals and technology, but the key to the success of the program is the motivation and desire of the athletes. Regardless of technology, 400 pounds is still 400 pounds and someone still has to put in the effort to lift it."






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