This year marks the first time that UCSB Sport Clubs have had access to a Strength and Conditioning program. Peter Aguilar, Head Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning, boasts over 13 years of experience working with collegiate and professional athletes and has served on the faculty of four collegiate institutions in the departments of Exercise Science.
Aguilar’s methods focus on challenging his athletes not just to be bigger, faster, and stronger, but to grow as teammates as well.
“The program is about the ability for athletes to work together and challenge each other,” Aguilar said. “It’s another coaching opportunity to preach discipline and focus.”
Aguilar’s first assignment was the men’s rugby team, who was in desperate need of change after ending the 2010 season with a disappointing 2-6-league record. His unique preseason program focused on proper technique and was structured around the explosive movements in the game of rugby. The program also implemented elements of competition into the drills, which further motivated the team to improve.
“The cool thing about [the competitive drills] is that the players would not only push themselves to improve, they would also push each other,” Aguilar said. “You’ll even see people staying to do one more rep just so they can beat each other.”
In developing his programs, Aguilar uses innovative methodologies based on the latest research and theories of application to achieve superior results for his athletes. For example, he uses arm drive drills to improve running speed.
“We did drills to get the arms pumping faster,” Aguilar said. “If you get your arms moving faster, your legs will have no choice but to move faster too.”
Aguilar’s strength and conditioning program has played a significant role in the men’s rugby team’s remarkable 2011 season: UCSB beat top-ranked Bowling Green in the Final Four and placed second at nationals this past weekend.
After a “trial run,” the addition of the Strength and Conditioning program has proven to be a great benefit to the UCSB Sport Clubs, and Aguilar is proud to be a part of it.
“Being around the team atmosphere… Man, there’s nothing like it,” Aguilar said. “The camaraderie, getting to know the players: it makes me love my job.”
