Bridging Science and Practice in Strength Training Featuring Craig Stevens

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo welcomes Dr. Craig Stevens, the kinesiology department chair at West Chester University and a longtime friend and mentor. Broadcasting from the NSCA National Conference in New Orleans, Leo Totten and Craig Stevens reflect on decades of lifting, teaching, and coaching together.

Craig Stevens shares his progression from lifting in a garage as a young athlete to becoming an exercise physiology expert, research-oriented educator, and department chair. Having been involved in football, wrestling, and strength coaching, he discusses his passion for blending sports performance with science and health.

Throughout their conversation, Leo and Craig highlight the importance of relationship-building, effective communication, and bridging the gap between academia and practical coaching.

In this episode, they cover:

• Craig Stevens’s background, from early lifting to academic leadership
• The connection between Leo Totten and Craig Stevens through West Chester University and USA Weightlifting
• How teaching, coaching, and communication skills are crucial in exercise science and coaching
• The evolution of strength and conditioning at West Chester, including contributions from Craig Stevens’s family
• Bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, and the value of lifelong learning
• The story of starting USA Weightlifting courses at West Chester, with a bit of good-natured teasing about those early tests

It’s a fun, thoughtful journey through lifting legacies and building better athletes—one relationship at a time!

Follow Totten Training on social media: @tottentraining
and visit the Totten Training website.