Joey Batson is now in his 25th year as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at the collegiate level and 14th year as the Director of Strength Training at Clemson University. He has served as a head strength and conditioning coach 21 of his 25 years of service.

Batson was named Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) in May of 2009. This honor is the highest given in the strength and conditioning coaching profession. Master Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Austin from the University of South Carolina presented Batson with the blue MSCC Jacket on Thursday evening, May 7, 2009.

"This is an incredible honor for Joey," said CSCCa Executive Director, Dr. Chuck Stiggins. "Being named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach signifies a commitment to the student athlete, a commitment to the Clemson Athletic Program, and a commitment to the strength and conditioning profession. We are honored to have Coach Batson as a member of our association and to have him join the ranks of the Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches. He is truly a model of an outstanding strength and conditioning professional."

Batson was familiar with the Tiger program before he started his career in a full-time capacity, having served as a graduate assistant in the Strength & Conditioning Department 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 in the mid 90's. The 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 where he placed 4th in San Jose, California in The American Drug Free Power lifting Association National Championships 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 and achieved the Master and Elite lifters classifications.

Batson has had a strong impact on the Clemson program since he became Director in 1997. He has had much to do with the success the football program, helping 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 at many notable high school programs.

An example of his respect level in the profession is demonstrated by the number of former assistants who are now Assistants and or Directors at other universities including conferences such as the ACC and SEC along with 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, and served a year at the University of South Carolina as Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning.

Not only does Batson bring professional experience to the position at Clemson, he brings 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.

Batson earned his bachelor of arts degree in physical education from Newberry College and his masters degree in education from Clemson University in 1988. Prior to his Colligate career Batson was named to 1977 South Carolina High School All State football team as a defensive end.

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 by the United States Weightlifting Federation. Batson was named the Muscle Milk Football Scoop Strength Coach of the Year in 2010.

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

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