February 1, 2012

The Strength Of Our Team....... Is Now In Good Hands....





This is change I think I can go with. Thus far, this off season of change has been one of many double takes and questions,  but this is one that I can say is a positive for the Raider Nation going into the new year. For so long, the Raiders have been decimated with injury after injury and players like Darren McFadden, who plays one of the most physical positions on the team, has not been able to give it a full go for an entire  16 game season. Well, I blame that on fundamentals. The same fundamentals that puts a player in a position to win their individual battles. The same fundamentals that allow a player to play and not think. The same fundamentals that win Championships.


For too long, this team has put that delicate responsibility on Brad Rolls' shoulders, and for too long we have suffered from the consequences of that choice. So, with that said.... Out with the old:



Brad Roll



In With the New:



Al Miller





And John Grieco


Coach John Grieco began his strength and conditioning career in 1994 as an intern at the University of Florida. He was hired part-time by the University in 1995, and was made an assistant strength and conditioning coach for football, but was given direct responsibility for Men's & Women's Track. He became full-time in 1996. At that time, he was named the strength coach for the University's inaugural Softball team. In 1998, Coach Grieco was promoted to the position of Coordinator, and in 2003, was promoted to Assistant Director for Men's Sports, overseeing strength and conditioning for Football and Baseball only.
Then in 2004, John was given the opportunity to run his own show when he was hired as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Football at East Carolina. After a two-year stint at ECU, Grieco moved to UNLV as the Director of Strength and Conditioning where he currently remains.
During Coach Grieco's career, he coached two Orange Bowls, a Sugar Bowl, a Fiesta Bowl, and numerous Outback and Citrus bowls. He also coached in two back to back National Championship Games in 1995 and 1996 and was a part of the Football National Championship in 1996. Coach Grieco also coached in four SEC championships and was a part of three football SEC championship teams. During his time with Florida Baseball, his team won an SEC and Regional Championship in 1998 and was a part of the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1997, he was a part of an SEC championship in Women's Track and Field, as well.
John is married to Jamie Grieco, and they have two beautiful children: Nicholas (6), and Gianna (3).
Coach Grieco sums up his feelings about the strength and conditioning profession, as follows: "Personally, I believe strength and conditioning is the most rewarding profession in the world. I appreciate the honor of having the word "Coach" by my name. I believe we have a greater role than just "sets and reps." We have a responsibility to young athletes and their families to continue to help them grow, physically, by maximizing their performance, and mentally, by demanding excellence, toughness, and teaching them to handle adversity in this world."

Positive Change that I have been waiting for! I hope that Al Miller and Mike Grieco can bring long term strength and endurance to this new Raiders Era.....




Chaotic View



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