Tereshinski speaks on 'different direction' of strength program

For those who thought Georgia should have brought in new blood to oversee the strength and conditioning program, Joe Tereshinski disagrees.

“First of all, I have a pretty fresh perspective of our strength program,” said Tereshinski, who on Thursday was put in charge of the program, but has worked at Georgia since 1982. “When you know what’s going on, when you know your kids, you know the SEC … you know what it’s gonna take.”

During a teleconference with reporters on Friday, Tereshinski made clear that changes will be made in how Georgia’s much-maligned strength program will be run.

There will be an emphasis on nutrition, and new ways to evaluate the players’ performance in the weight room.

“Everybody realizes we have to go in a different direction and become stronger, become quicker and turn this program around,” said Tereshinski, who met with players at 6 a.m. on Friday.

Tereshinski thanked the Bulldog position coaches “who have called me to support this decision.” He also thanked Dave Van Halanger, and praised his work through the years. Van Halanger was shifted from strength coordinator to administrative assistant to head coach Mark Richt.

Some fans have complained that Richt didn’t hire someone from outside. Tereshinski has been assistant strength coach and video coordinator, but Van Halanger was clearly in charge of the program.

There could still be new additions: Tereshinski said he’s talking to “some other individuals” that may join the staff. That will happen after the bowl. He said he’s “considering” talking with John Kasay Sr. about coming back on board in a role. Kasay Sr. oversaw the strength program under Vince Dooley.

“He is a tough, knowledgable, unforgiving, disciplined man that loves to train kids,” Tereshinski said. “I will visit with John Kasay.”

In the meantime, Tereshinski said the three assistants on the strength staff would work with players in the weeks before Georgia's bowl game. Tereshinski pointed out that was a repeat from last year, when Van Halanger had a heart attack after the regular season ended.

As for the future, Tereshinski detailed his philosophy:

- Asked what the culture of his program would be, Tereshinski said it would be about being at the top of their game in the fourth quarter.

“Georgia used to be known that in the fourth quarter, they won,” Tereshinski said. “We’re going to press and challenge these kids every day to overcome. They’re going to have to overcome.”

- What the players eat “will be closely-monitored,” he said. The staff will have graduate assistants at meals, and will record what players are eating. They’ll weigh players every day, and test their body fat.

- Tereshinski, who has been the video coordinator, said they’ll start recording the player’s weight room work, and using that to help improve their performance.

“It’s all really positive reinforcement. But there’s no waiting. The moment somebody misses, they’re going to sit in front of the TV monitors, and I’m going to ask them: What is your goal here? Is it to start? Is it to play in the league?”

MY TAKE: All this sounds great, obviously, and Tereshinski didn't mince many words about there being a new sheriff in the weight room. But I also didn't expect him to announce that players would be allowed to wear flip flops and eat Doritos. Whether the change will have the desired effect will have to be best measured when the 2011 season starts.