LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky Strength and Conditioning Coach Rob Oviatt has been named the 1997 Southeastern Conference Strength Coach of the Year for football as selected by the league’s 12 strength coaches.
Oviatt received his award Saturday night in Dallas, Tex., at the National Strength and Conditioning Association convention of football strength coaches. The NSCA coordinated the voting for each football conference in the country. Oviatt is the first UK strength coach to win the SEC award, which was originated by the NSCA in 1991.
“Rob is held in high esteem as one of the best in his profession,” UK football coach Hal Mumme said. “A lot of what we were able to accomplish last season was a result of Rob’s work. He is so knowledgeable and is such a good teacher with our players.”
The Wildcats have made obvious gains in strength and in the physical nature of their play since Oviatt became the UK strength and conditioning coach in 1995. On defense, for example, the Wildcats have been much improved against the run. In Oviatt’s three seasons, the Wildcats have allowed opponents an average of 4.1 yards per rushing attempt. That’s the best mark for UK, over a three-year period, since the 1987-89 seasons. In addition, UK’s single-season quarterback sack record, 10.5 by Chris Ward in 1996, came under Oviatt’s watch.
The offensive line also has earned its share of glory during Oviatt’s tenure. In 1995, running back Moe Williams led the SEC in rushing and scoring, broke or tied 15 school records, and broke three SEC marks. In 1997, UK’s offensive line kept quarterback Tim Couch injury-free as the pass-oriented Wildcats broke or tied 51 school records and 15 SEC records.
“Obviously, I’m honored to be recognized by my peers, but want to emphasize that this award was possible because of the efforts of many others besides myself,” Oviatt said. “I want to thank Coach Mumme, his entire coaching and support staff, my assistants in the weight room, and especially our players, for their loyalty and hard work. A strength coach is only as good as the support of those people around him. At Kentucky, I’m surrounded by many special people.”
Oviatt’s strength and conditioning team for 1997 included assistant Aaron Shelley, graduate assistant Steve Dungan, and volunteer assistants Jamie Givens, Jennifer Jameson, Don Miller, and Calvin Trowell. Oviatt’s blueprint for success combines goals of strength, speed, conditioning, and prevention of injury.
“Football is a game of the hips, legs, and lower back. Every movement on the field is initiated by those muscle groups,” Oviatt said. “But strength alone is not enough. It’s the speed at which you exert your strength that is the key to performance, the result being explosive power.
“Olympic-style lifts get the highest priority because they’re the most specific to football – you must move heavy weights with speed,” Oviatt continued. “These are the most athletic lifts because they require coordination, balance, and flexibility in addition to strength.”
Oviatt came to UK from Oregon State, where he had been the strength coach and fitness director from 1985-95. Prior to Oregon State, he had been an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Utah (1985), Houston (1984), and Texas A&M (1983). He was a volunteer assistant at Mississippi (1980-82) while earning his master’s degree and at Alabama (1978-79) while earning his bachelor’s degree.
