Joey Batson, Med (MSS, SSC, USAW, NASE)

Director of Strength & Conditioning

Now entering his eleventh year as strength training director at Clemson, Joey Batson brings much experience to the position. 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 and conditioning area from 1985-88.

In the course of his professional career, Batson has pioneered many training techniques in the strength, speed and conditioning fields.

Referred to by Batson as "Not So Basic Strength Training," the collection of innovative techniques has led to impressive results by many Tiger players over his career.

Batson has had a strong impact on the Clemson football program since he became director in 1997. He has had much to do with the success of Tommy Bowden's program, helping the Tigers to six bowl games and three top 25 finishes. In his nine previous years, Clemson has had 12 football players who have been named Strength All-Americans, including 2005 selection Steven Jackson.

An example of his respect level in the profession is demonstrated by the number of former assistants (8) who are now assistants or Strength Training Directors at other universities or NFL programs.

Prior to his return to Clemson, Batson served as the first full-term director of Strength Training at Furman University in Greenville. In 1996, he was named Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year in the Southern Conference by the National Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. In addition to his four years at Furman, he also worked as the Director of Strength/Conditioning at Bowling Green and served a year at the University of South Carolina as assistant director of strength and conditioning.

Not only does Batson bring professional experience to the position, but he also brings experience as a player at the collegiate level.

The Greenville 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 as a senior. Batson earned his B.A. degree in Physical Education from Newberry and his masters in Education at Clemson in 1988.

Batson is a Specialist in Sports Conditioning (SSC) and Masters of Sport Science (MSS) through the International Sports Sciences Association, and is a member of several other professional groups, which include the National Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. He has completed the Club Coach Certification program by the United States Weight Lifting Federation. He also serves as one of the state directors for the National Association of Speed and Explosion.

Batson, who started his employment as director on June 2, 1997, married the former Susan Malone of Greenville. They have two children, Michael 11, and Benjamin 8.