This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Texas Tech University Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dave Scholz. Coach Scholz discusses how he stayed connected with his players in the midst of a pandemic, offers advice for other coaches as athletes return to campus, and shares the experience of coaching a first-round NFL draft pick.

Dave Scholz is entering his second season as Texas Tech’s head strength and conditioning coach. Scholz was among Matt Wells’ first hires after accepting the head coaching position at Texas Tech, bringing with him his strength and conditioning coach from all six seasons at Utah State (2013-18). In his position, Scholz oversees the entire strength and conditioning program for the Red Raiders, while also working closely with the athletic training and nutrition staffs. As a graduate assistant, Scholz tutored under current Minnesota Vikings head strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama, who served in a similar capacity at Utah State from 2004-07. Uyeyama later hired Scholz as a strength and conditioning intern with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Scholz was promoted to a strength, nutrition and conditioning assistant with the 49ers in 2012 where he was responsible for the programming of quarterbacks and kickers, as well as all the nutritional aspects of the organization.

Scholz has earned his CSCS Certification from the NSCA, Precision Nutrition Certification, ISSA Sports Nutrition Certification, BioSignature Modulation, PICP Levels I & II Certification, Metabolic Analytics Certification, Kinetic Chain Enhancement Upper and Lower Body Certification, and Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist Certification (FRCms).

• [1:35] Start of interview
• [2:10] Staying connected with athletes during COVID-19
• [4:11] Finding creative ways to train throughout quarantine
• [6:47] Implementing virtual daily meetings
• [8:26] Keeping athletes motivated
• [10:38] Protocol for when athletes return to campus
• [14:22] Advice for coaches as athletes return
• [19:17] Silver linings during the pandemic
• [21:25] The value of continued education
• [23:00] Coaching a first-round draft pick