Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina University Director of Sports Performance, Andrew Bates, was presented the title of Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC) at a special dinner and ceremony held in Indianapolis, Ind., May 5-7 at the annual National Conference of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa).
 
Bates is among the 265 individuals nationally currently with this level of certification and corresponding title of distinction, the highest honor that can be achieved in the Strength and Conditioning coaching profession. The title represents professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise, as well as longevity in the field.
 
In addition to Bates, two others were awarded the prestigious title this year, including former WCU Director of Athletic Performance Evan Barr, who is currently at Mercer, and Brice Cox from the University of Tulsa.
 
To receive this level of certification and corresponding title of distinction, an individual must first meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree;
2. Be a currently practicing, full-time strength & conditioning coach of a collegiate or professional athletic team;
3. Hold current membership in the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) and be in good standing;
4. Hold the CSCCa's Certification – SCCC (Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified), which is NCCA-accredited;
5. Be a full-time, strength and conditioning coach of a collegiate and/or professional athletic team for a minimum of 12 years.

Bates came to Cullowhee as the Director of Sports Performance in January 2024, after a two-year stint at Southern Utah. He previously spent 10 years working at Jacksonville University, where he worked with current Catamount head coach Kerwin Bell. Bates is responsible for operations in the David & Marie Brinkley Athletics Weightlifting Facility in the Jordan-Phillips Field House and spearheads the athletic performance efforts for the Catamount football team.

Bates received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Wayne State University in 2009 and earned a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Marshall University in 2012. A certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Bates has taken and passed the SCCC certification examination, which is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, offered by the CSCCa.

"Andrew Bates is a leader in his field and is highly respected by his peers and co-workers. He has dedicated his life and career to the field of collegiate strength & conditioning, entitling him to receive the prestigious honor of being recognized as a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach," said CSCCa Board President Dr. Pat Ivey in a letter announcing the awarding of the title.

Based out of Austin, Texas, the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) was created specifically to represent and promote the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach. Unlike other existing professional organizations, membership in this association is restricted to strength and conditioning coaches of collegiate and professional-level athletic programs.

For more information about the CSCCa, visit online at www.cscca.org.