William & Mary Athletics

Training Philosophy

We OPERATE as part of an integrated, holistic program which places the athlete at the center. Our aim is to develop the most resilient and adaptable athletes that consistently obtain their performance potential. Robust, happy, health, successful athletes on and off the field are the goal.

We operate with the understanding that improved sports results is the goal. If the tests improve but the physical performance on the field does not, we have failed. We must identify those movements, exercises and qualities which most transfer to an athletes sport and position, then train to maximize these in a scaled, progressive fashion to ensure long-term success.

INCREASE the speed of movement via improved mechanical efficiency, greater force production potential and metabolic capacity to fuel activity.

PRODUCE physically robust athletes by red flagging for typical injury risk factors, intelligent management of the physical and non-physical stress load of the athlete, maximization of physical capacity to tolerate training and competition.

The best ability is availability- by working collaboratively with sport coaches and sports medicine practitioners we can ensure right stimulus, right amount at the right time for every single athlete, maximizing opportunities to become masters of their sport.

MANIPULATION of training activities and loading parameters to maximize readiness on the field- how do we ensure all athletes are at their best when it truly matters?

Assist sport coaches with scheduling and organization of practice, and global management of workload with the understanding that all stress has physical consequences. All forms of training must undulate in a reciprocal fashion.

Assist athletic trainers in ensuring a seamless transition from return to play to healthy athlete. The gap between injured and healthy athletes is where most college programs go to die- our job is to make sure our athletes do not fall in that gap.

Assist recruiters in the identification of future Tribe Talent. Analyze the physical qualities required to excel in each of the 23 sports offered at William & Mary, then identify those athletes with the most potential.

The Joseph W. Montgomery Strength Training Center is located on the lower level of Kaplan Arena. This 5,000-square-foot facility contains 16,000 lbs. of free weights, 10,000 pounds of dumbbells, and 7,500 pounds of bumper plates. In addition, it contains 24 Olympic stations, 18 power racks, 18 multipurpose power racks, 22 dumbell stations and a fully-equipped plyometric area.

This center was designed by then head strength coach John Sauer in 1995.

This state-of-art center was made through the generosity of Joseph W. Montgomery. Joe Montgomery '74 enjoyed a stellar career at William and Mary. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Joe started as a sophomore for the Indians at offensive center. That year he helped pave the way for Southern Conference Athlete of the year Phil Mosser. He earned all-conference honors as a junior and repeated as a senior when he captained the Tribe. He also earned All-ECAC honors that year and third team All-America laurels. Montgomery was selected to play in the Blue-Gray game in January after his senior year. He continued to play professionally for the WFL Charlotte Hornets in 1975 and was inducted into the W&M Hall of Fame in 1985. In the 1971 media guide, then head coach Lou Holtz said, "Joe, although only a sophomore, has excellent potential to be a fine center." Joe now lives in Williamsburg with his wife Linda and their two children Joseph and Madeline.

The John Sauer Speed and Conditioning Room, a 2,500-square-foot training area, was added in 2010 and expanded the Tribe's total training area to approximately 8,500 square feet.