Big Red Strength & Conditioning Project

Champions are crowned during the season, but championships are earned long before competition begins. Cornell's 1,100 varsity athletes have exclusive access to one of the newest and best training facilities in the nation--the 8,000-square-foot Friedman Strength and Conditioning Center. Completed in June 1997, this impressive addition to the Field House reflects the university's strong commitment to athletic excellence. Coaches and team members alike credit the center, its world-class equipment, and first-rate staff with adding immensely to the success of the Big Red athletic program.

Cornell's varsity strength and conditioning program--nicknamed "Big Red Power"--focuses on enhancing performance and preventing injury. The new facility and equipment enable the staff to prescribe year-round sport-specific programs with variety and precision.

Before the training programs are designed, the muscular and metabolic needs for each sport--and for each position within the sport--are analyzed. Athletes are then assessed to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses, and follow-up assessments are conducted at regular intervals. Comprehensive workouts are prescribed to address deficiencies and promote the development of skills used during competition.

Injury prevention also is emphasized. Through resistance training, the number and the severity of injuries are reduced. If an injury does occur, the strength and conditioning staff works closely with the sports medicine staff to ensure a safe and complete rehabilitation. The objective is to allow the athlete to resume full participation as soon as possible.

Big Red Athletics continues to strive to provide the best facilities for our student athletes.   The Freidman Strength & Conditioning Center is a key element of the facility portfolio.  Not only does it greatly contribute to the performance of our athletes, it also plays an important role in recruiting the next generation of great athletes. 

The facility has recently been upgraded with new equipment but there still a few upgrades we would like to fund.  Please check out the 3-minute video above to hear Coach Howley and Big Red athletes describe in greater detail the components of this campaign.