Boyd Epley - Legends and Rumors

6 comments so far June 21, 2006 by Darren K. Carlson

Outside of the head coaches and a handful of players and assistants (Gill, Tenopir), few names are as recognizable among Husker fans as Boyd Epley's. He is considered the father of modern strength and conditioning. His innovation gave NU what I consider an almost unfair advantage for many years, and he built a program that was envied and then replicated by rivals throughout the country. It's a shame, then, that the last portion of his career is littered with rumored frictions with staff and administration, his being replaced in 2002, and his now somewhat muted ending to his time at NU.

Husker Power - A Major Advantage

Nebraska absolutely overwhelmed opponents physically during the 1980s. Yes the scheme and execution were big. And yes, talent matters. But, Epley's pioneering strength training was a major factor. Nobody else did the things NU did in the '70 and 80's , and it was a distinct advantage. Strength training suited NU's style of play (and football in general, for that matter). The Cornhuskers mauled other teams. If it was Milt building the "pipeline" of offensive linemen at NU, then Epley was supplying the raw materials. He created Husker Power.

As Epley's Husker Power program grew, it migrated around the state and country. It was followed in high school weight rooms across the state. He's responsible for 16-year old boys in Hastings knowing the difference between fast-twitch muscle fiber and slow-twitch, and how best to build each kind for everything from football to track. On a larger level, dozens of Epley's disciples landed employment at other major schools and professional teams across the country. He made strength training real.

How far has strength training come in sports? It is a factor everywhere now, from football to golf. In basketball, look at this picture of a rookie Michael Jordan, circa 1983 compared to a similarly-aged Dwayne Wade from 2005.

Yeah, I'd say there is a difference. And if you look at pictures of NU's players from the early 80's, and you'll see just how far ahead of the curve Epley put the Cornhuskers. It was muscles on top of muscles. Strength training is everywhere now. We have two strength fitness trainers at my job, and that's at a corporation! And, if you trace this now common concept back to it's roots, you'll find Epley amongst the earliest innovators. He helped revolutionize sports. Every Husker fan should tip their hat or raise their glass to that.

The Rumor Mill, Or Pride Comes Before the Fall?

Other programs caught up to NU in the 1990s. So, why didn't NU stay so far ahead of the curve? The cat got out of the bag. NU proudly toured other athletic directors and officials through the Husker Power complex. I've heard stories of major programs taking a look at NU's setup in the late '80's and early 90's and just saying "we'll take two of everything". And sure, with any scientific practice or profession, there is an emphasis on publishing or demonstrating results, too. NU shared what they knew, other people and programs learned and spent, and they caught up.

Epley's personal pride or ego is rumored to be a source of some frustration among some. His obsession with "Transformer" machines - stabilized squat racks that he patented -- being a major issue. Some could argue Epley became more focused on selling those machines than on the continued development of players. And, that a resulting complacency matriculated through the program, leading to some out of shape teams at the turn of the century. Some say that Transformer is also a plausible cause of the rampant athletic pubitis (sever groin injury) that plagued NU toward the end of the 1990s and early 2000s. The affliction limited the contribution of big-time players like DeAngelo Evans and Lannie Hopkins.

Another rumor persists that Epley clashed with Coach Frank Solich during his tenure. And dissention within a program is never good, no matter who may be at fault.

A Rather Quiet Ending

Whether rumored friction, a perceived lack of physical condition, or the Transformer were negative factors for NU is by no means published fact. I have only heard them discussed in person and online. But, Epley's tenure as NU's head of strength and conditioning came to a close almost immediately after Steve Pederson came on board as athletic director in 2002, even before the firing of Frank Solich. Under Pederson, Epley was moved in to a primarily fundraising role as assistant AD in charge of facilities. His role was to develop the current facilities project, and help raise funds. Whether it was the "kick upstairs" method of removing him is unknown to me. And another Epley disciple, Dave Kennedy, took over the post in 2004. Epley's role with the athletic department changed again last year, as he became the expansion project's "creative director", and he appeared to be no longer involved in active fund raising.

Now, Epley rides off to a position that was "created for him" at the National Strength Coaches Association. It must be a good gig, since he's not staying to bask in the completion of the new facilities. Pederson has acknowledged Epley's massive contribution to NU's athletic success, and rightfully so. But, his transition away from the preparation of players for the field has been pretty evident over the last 5 years. So, his contribution ends very differently than it began. All told, his commitment to NU's players and athletic facilities can not be overstated.

Photos: huskers.com, starwave.com & tripod.com

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