JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Director of Athletics Allen Morgan will introduce former University of Tennessee Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Johnny Long as C-N's new Director of Sports Performance with a press conference Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Eagle Club Room.
Long will oversee all 19 of Carson-Newman's varsity sports. He will design weight programs for all sports to fit those individual sport and player needs. He'll teach proper technique for those student athletes, as well as worth toward injury prevention, health and wellness, as well as nutrition.
Long is a former Olympic-caliber weightlifter who began his career 32 years ago under legendary Hall of Fame Strength Coach Gayle Hatch. Long is part of the Gayle Hatch Weightlifting Team that has won more than fifty men's Junior, Senior, and Masters National Championships.
After a brief stint, at Louisiana State University, Long shifted his coaching career to the University of Tennessee as a Graduate Assistant for the strength and conditioning staff in 1994. After completion of his Master's Degree, he quickly advanced to the position of Assistant Strength Coach. He was named Associate Head Coach in 1998 before taking over as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of the University of Tennessee. He now holds the title of "Collegiate Mentor" and Master Strength Coach which is the Highest Honor for strength and conditioning coaches across the country.
In January 2004 and 2005, Long served as Head Strength Coach for the Las Vegas All-American Classic All Star Game. He is credited by former head coach Phillip Fulmer with making physical fitness a basic component of the UT football program.
Long's career over the past 14 years has made him one of the nation's top strength and conditioning coaches when it comes to preparing athletes for competition. Long has directed one of the nation's largest strength and conditioning clinics with more than 1,000 coaches and athletes.
He worked with many decorated athletes during his career at Tennessee. This list includes 308 All-Americans, 159 pro athletes, 115 All-SEC Athletes and 45 Olympians.
Long is certified by the College Strength and Condition Coaches Association.