MSCC Class of 2009

Joey Batson

Head, Clemson University

Joey Batson is now in his 24th year as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at the collegiate level and in his 13th year as the Director of Strength Training at Clemson University. He has served as a head strength and conditioning coach 20 of his 24 years of service. He brings much experience to the profession and to the CSCCa.

Batson was familiar with the Clemson Tiger program before he started his career in a full-time capacity, having served as a graduate assistant in the Strength & Conditioning Department there from 1985-88. In the course of his professional career, he has pioneered many training techniques in the strength, speed, and conditioning field. These training strategies, referred to by Batson as "Not So Basic Strength Training," were picked up from power lifting guru Louie Simmons during the mid 90's. This collection of innovative techniques has led to impressive results by many of his athletes throughout his career.

His competitive weight training experience began in 1987 when he placed 4th in the American Drug Free Power Lifting Association's National Championships, held in San Jose, California, and 5th, the following year, in Chicago, Illinois. From 1985 to 1987, Batson achieved a top 20 ranking in the ADFPA's 275 lb. Class, achieving the coveted classifications as a "Master" and "Elite" lifter.

Batson has had a strong impact on the Clemson program since becaming Director in 1997. He has had much to do with the success of Tommy Bowden's and Dabo Swinney's football programs, assisting the Tigers to nine bowl games and four top-25 finishes. While at Clemson, Batson has worked for three head football coaches and has had a tremendous impact throughout the state of South Carolina on many notable high school programs. His respect level in the profession is demonstrated by the number of former assistants who are now Assistants and/or Directors at other universities in conferences such as the ACC and SEC, as well as several high profile high school programs in the state of South Carolina.

Prior to his return to Clemson, Batson served as the first full-time Director of Strength Training at Furman University. In 1996, he was named Strength & Conditioning Professional-of-the-Year in the Southern Conference by the National Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association after the Paladins made it to the second round of the NCAA 1 AA playoffs. In addition to his four years at Furman, he also worked as the first full-time Director of Strength & Conditioning at Bowling Green State University in addition to serving one year at the University of South Carolina as Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning.

Not only does Batson bring professional experience to his position at Clemson, he also brings his experience as a football player at the collegiate level. The Travelers Rest, South Carolina native was a tight end at The Citadel in 1979 before transferring to Newberry College, where he was a two-year letterman and team co-captain during his senior season. Prior to his collegiate career, Batson was named to the 1977 South Carolina High School All State Football Team as a defensive End.

Batson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Newberry College and his Masters Degree in Education from Clemson University in 1988. Batson is certified through the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association and is a member of several other professional groups. He has completed the Club Coach Certification program offered by the United States Weightlifting Federation.

Batson is married to the former Susan Malone of Greenville, SC. The couple has two children, Michael (12) and Benjamin (9).