Brewster Academy -> Athletics -> Teams and Programs -> Advanced Strength Training

	Advanced Strength Training and Conditioning

The Class

The students in this course are expected to make a genuine commitment to improve their performance as athletes. This implies that they will participate with a positive attitude in all areas of the program. The effort that they make will influence their performance in their competitive sport and hopefully academics. Self discipline and a positive attitude are attributes that will influence all life challenges that they encounter. Instruction in proper lifting techniques will occur, and students will hopefully develop a positive attitude toward conditioning and competition as personal gains are realized. Strength training programs are designed with varying degrees of intensity and volume so that periods of high intensity training are followed by periods of low intensity training.Additionally,, dynamic stretching, which is used throughout Brewster's athletics programs, is taught and practiced regularly.

The Instructors

Instructor's Picture Zack Apgar

Zack Apgar is the advanced strength training instructor. Zack comes to Brewster after spending 10 years as a certified personal trainer working primarily one-on-one with beginners. From 1990 to 1996, he managed the Beacon Hill Athletic Club. While in college Zack played varsity soccer and ran track.

At Brewster he has been an assistant crew coach and fitness instructor. He also is an instructional support teacher on Team Hossack, the ninth grade teaching team.

Zack has a B.S. in sport management from the University of Massachusetts.

Nick Docter '97

Nick Docter is the advanced strength coach for the crew team’s winter training. Coach Docter comes to Brewster with an extensive background in strength and conditioning. He has a BS in Exercise Physiology and an MA in Kinesiology, both from California State University, Chico.

Coach Docter is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) awarded by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is an Olympic Lifting Certified Club Coach awarded through USA Weightlifting (USAW).

While earning his Master’s degree, Coach Docter worked as a strength and conditioning intern for the University of California at Berkeley (football), California State University, Chico (soccer and volleyball), Butte College (football and basketball), and Chico High School (football).

Coach Docter enjoys working with student athletes and helping them to develop strength, speed and agility. He has trained both high school and collegiate athletes, some of whom are now professional NFL players.

Coach Docter has been at Brewster Academy since the spring of 2007. He lives off campus with his wife Brooke.

Student Testamonial

Grant Gosselin '07 Grant Gosselin photo

Advanced Strength is an integral part of Athletics here at Brewster. For me personally the Smith Center and the knowledge that Brewster offers a program such as Advanced Strength was a big factor in my decision to attend. Upon starting Advanced Strength I was not in the greatest shape but that quickly changed. Mr. Apgar demands 100% effort in his class and in return that enabled us to become fitter, not only physically but also mentally; some of the running was mentally enduring. I would recommend the Advanced Strength class to anyone who is serious about getting stronger and in better shape. Mr Apgar will make you sweat!