Scott Bird, CSCS, RSCC*E, MSCC, SCCC will oversee the field experience courses in Logan’s new Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning program. These courses offer hands-on opportunities to immerse students in an athletic performance setting such as in private gyms or high school, collegiate and professional athletics. Scott has more than 30 years of experience implementing strength and conditioning programs for multiple sports and has participated in 22 championship and bowl experiences. He has worked at Mizzou, Kansas State University, University of Houston, Texas Tech University and The Ohio State University, among others, and is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach and a Mental Performance Mastery Certified Coach. Additionally, in 2010, Scott received the profession’s highest honor by being named Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa).
Tell us about you and your professional experiences as a strength coach.
I was an average athlete in high school and college and realized that lifting weights could help me be better. As a senior in high school I took a physiology class that sparked my interest in how the body works—that, along with my love of working out, led me to the field of strength and conditioning. When I was at the University of Oklahoma I had a great strength coach in Pete Martinelli and learned so much from him. After graduating from Northeastern State University I had a chance to go back and work with and learn more from Pete and his staff. I am so very grateful for the people I have had the chance to work with and for in my career, including Pete, Blair Prince, Joe Juraszek, Dave Kennedy, Jerry Schmidt, Rod Cole, Chris Dawson, and Pat Ivey. I have been so fortunate to work with incredible athletes, coaches and teams as well. I have always tried to learn as much from them as possible while teaching and sharing my knowledge to help them. It has been very rewarding to see so many athletes go on to have great careers in both professional sports as well as their chosen field.
Why are you passionate about the field of strength and conditioning?
It is so rewarding to be able to help a person develop physically and mentally to reach their goals and to have success. I love using strength and conditioning as a tool not only to help athletes perform better but also as a way to stay healthy and active once their athletic careers are over. Using an integrated approach, a great strength and conditioning program can give people the tools, both physical and mental, that help them have confidence to overcome any obstacles that they may face.
Explain your role at Logan and what you will do for the students.
As the Field Experience Coordinator for the Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning program, I will set up the internship program as well build partnerships with other universities and training facilities for our students to learn not just the science but the art of being a strength and conditioning coach experience practical, hands-on learning. I am excited about the opportunity to help coaches learn and grow in the field through their enrollment in this program.
Why should a student pursue Logan’s Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning?
The online program at Logan allows students to earn an advanced degree in a time frame that works for them—in as little as one year. Program Director Dr. Brittany Ramirez has put together a great group of experts and an industry-driven program that will provide students with the opportunity to enhance the skills they may already have and gain valuable knowledge in the area of strength and conditioning, including what is new in the field and what the future is bringing.
Favorite sports teams?
I mostly cheer for players I have had the chance to work with. It does make it tough though when they play each other.
Next up on the bucket list?
At some point I’d like to live in the mountains!
Most people don’t know…
I have sung at some weddings and played the saxophone for eight years in school.