VBT Use and Purchase Process for High Schools

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In this high school webinar, Glenbrook South High School staff (Tom Mietus, Steve Stanicek, and Ryan Bretag) shared insights into their implementation of velocity-based training (VBT) and their journey toward integrating Perch technology into their athletic and physical education programs. The discussion covered the adoption process, technology's impact on student well-being, and data-driven training approaches.

Background and Goals

• Tom Mietus (Athletic Director) highlighted his experiences as a coach and PE teacher, emphasizing the need for effective strength training that focuses on bar speed and explosiveness, rather than just lifting heavier weights.
• The school explored alternatives like Tendo units and Push bands, ultimately choosing Perch for its ease of use, affordability, and integration into the weight room.

Vision and Implementation

• Steve Stanicek explained how Perch supports a shift to functional fitness and self-assessment, allowing students to monitor their progress through heart rate monitors, Team Builder data, and real-time bar velocity feedback.
• Ryan Bretag discussed how student wellness—including recovery, readiness, and reducing athletic pressures—aligned with the district's vision for academic and athletic balance.

Benefits of Perch Technology

• Perch provides personalized performance insights, encouraging students to focus on speed over weight, thus fostering self-improvement and resilience.
• The technology has improved coach-athlete communication through objective data, eliminating biases and reducing ego-driven training decisions.
• Students now take ownership of their progress, akin to having an additional "coach" in the weight room through automated feedback.

Funding and Purchase Process

• The team detailed how they justified the purchase by linking student well-being to broader district goals, enabling access to grant funding typically reserved for academic initiatives. Their comprehensive approach emphasized that movement and physical fitness are critical to both mental health and academic success.

Key Takeaways

• Velocity-based training and data-driven coaching enhance student engagement, improve safety, and foster both athletic and academic development.
• Integrating Perch into high schools requires collaboration between athletic departments, district administrators, and external funding sources such as wellness grants.

The webinar concluded with an invitation to schools interested in VBT to contact Perch for further guidance and grant resources. This holistic integration of technology into high school athletics sets a new standard for student-centered performance training.

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