FORT WORTH, Texas - Carson-Newman Director of Sports Performance Johnny Long has been named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) in a ceremony at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

This honor is the highest given in the strength and conditioning coaching profession.

"This is an incredible honor for Johnny," CSCCa Executive Director Dr. Chuck Stiggins said.  "Being named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach signifies a commitment to the student athlete, the Carson-Newman University program, and the strength and conditioning profession.  We are honored to have Coach Long as a member of our association and to have him join the ranks of the Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches.  He is truly a model of an outstanding strength and conditioning professional."

Long was one of 18 coaches who received the honor at this year's ceremony. 

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.