Selah Yearbook 1991-92

Strength Coach Sets Good Example

By Becky Griggs Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Dave Williams m a y remain behind the scenes, but he is a true leader in the L U athletic program.

Williams has been head strength coach for eight years.

His main responsibility is to plan a complete conditioning program for all of the intercollegiate sports and to supervise the athletes as they work out. Although he is responsible for all sports, football requires most of his time and effort.

Williams considers his work very rewarding. "I enjoy getting to see athletes reach their potential," he said. "It is great to see them getting bigger, faster, stronger, and developing as a whole athlete. It is fulfilling to m e because I see the fruit of m y labor in every g a m e I go to."

Williams has set a good Christian example for the athletes and has had the opportunity to win several to Christ. "Every year there is always one or two that claim to be a Christian w h e n they c o m e here and then realize they aren't saved," he said.

O n e of his most memorable experiences w a s being with Barry Rice, an L U graduate w h o is n o w assistant strength coach, w h e n he w a s saved. They were in a hotel room on a road trip w h e n Barry realized that he w a s not a Christian. "You could really feel the Holy Spirit's presence in that hotel room," Williams said.

Williams stresses the importance of being a good witness for G o d with his athletes. "They need to realize that it's not just playing a ball game, it's representing the Lord," he said. "The athletes should properly represent Photo by Vangie the Lord by their actions and reactions. I think the Lord H e has also learned to be humble throughout his is pleased w h e n w e give 100 percent effort. Y o u can't be the best Christian you can be if you loaf. In football, w e career as a strength coach. "There is no corporate ladder to climb," Williams said. "Being strength knock 'em d o w n , but w e help 'em back up."

Physically, Williams desires for the athletes to become coach requires a servant's attitude and a desire to see a "total package." " W e have to develop a total condition- people get better."

L U athletics are a top priority to Williams, and it is ing program," he said. "They have to be able to use the strength they develop. W e stress technique that will his personal goal to see that they improve. " M y goal is to help L U athletics be the best," he said. "I would carry over to their sport."

Williams spent three years in the A r m y and served his like to see us be national champions and see athletes military duty in Korea. H e obtained a master's degree in and coaches on television giving the Lord all the Physical Education at the University of Alabama, where glory. I would also like to see more L U athletes in he gained experience as an assistant strength and condi- professional sports with the testimony of Sid Bream tioning coach. H e then m o v e d on to become head strength (Atlanta Braves first baseman)."

Williams considers his job a hobby. "I enjoy and conditioning coach at Texas A & M .

Because he has coached at a secular school, Williams experimenting with different methods of training," recognizes a difference between Christian and non-Chris- he said. "I sometimes feel funny getting paid for it!"

Coach Williams is a true m a n of God. With his tian athletes. " A Christian athlete draws on the Lord for knowledge of physical as well as spiritual strength, strength," he said. "Christian athletic teams bear one another's burdens through prayer and support. Chris- he has m a d e a lasting impression on the lives of L U tian athletes are also able to overcome stress and fatigue, athletes. because they k n o w they can do all things through Christ."