By Joseph Kurtz
The University of Portland Athletic Department has made huge strides in the last year in the athletic performance of all sports with the knowledge and dedication of Director of Athletic Performance, Brad Scott.
The dedication in recent years from the University of Portland to field competitive teams in all sports has not only been seen with the hiring of new coaches, but also with the hiring of Scott, as the University seeks to make athletes faster and stronger.
"We think that's where we can make a difference," Athletic Director Larry Williams said regarding athletic training. "Taking raw talent, and making it into powerful talent."
Scott comes to the Pilots with an impressive resume. Graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Boston with a Bachelors of Science in exercise physiology, he then went to graduate school at the University of Arizona, earning a Masters of Education.
Most recently, he was the head strength, speed and conditioning coach for men's and women's basketball and volleyball at the University of Southern California. He worked directly with the Trojan men's basketball team, led by O.J. Mayo, that went to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament last year and had two players drafted in the NBA draft this past June.
As the Pilots seek to become a force in the West Coast Conference in all sports, Scott comes in with the mindset and dedication to help take Portland athletics to the next level.
"It is about instilling a positive work ethic in the program," Scott said. "To have the athletes compete against themselves, but also come together as a team."
After being hired a year ago, the University put up money and let Scott completely redesign the weight room in the Chiles Center/
Scott commented that the new weight room is more spacious and has more equipment than before, maximizing the free space and allowing the different teams come through faster and get a better workout.
Scott said he will use anything to get results, which would explain the huge truck tires sitting in the corner of the weight room that the basketball team has been seen pushing around.
"We are going to use everything, whatever gets results, that's what we're going to use," said Scott.
The days are long for Scott who averages a hard-working 12-hour day. Scott and his assistant, Jay Tieder, have the daunting task of making programs for each team, and tending to the special needs of each athlete.
Programs for athletes are specific to how intense a workout is needed, depending on the amount of playing time a player gets or what muscles are weak and need balance to prevent injury. Scott or Tieder are in helping athletes as early as six a.m. everyday to fit the busy schedules of student athletes.
The dedication and results the athletes are getting out of Scott's programs are not going unnoticed as coaches are seeing a difference in their players.
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Eric Jackson said, "He's a great fit, very knowledgeable. He does a great job of developing toughness and a confidence in our players."
Jackson added that the coaches don't have to worry about their players not being able to handle something physically, because of the great job Scott has been doing.
Head Women's Volleyball Coach Joe Houck said he has noticed his players are faster, and how his team has had at least a three-inch vertical jump increase in all his players since Scott has taken over.
"I can't praise him highly enough," Coach Houck said, "He has helped us make huge strides and maximize the talent we have."
