Proulx keeps Owls on track

KEENE, N.H. 2/8/10 - It didn't take long for Chris Proulx to answer "yes" when asked if he would be interested in joining the coaching staff of the Keene State College track and field team this fall.

Already on campus as an assistant professor of health sciences, Proulx welcomed the opportunity to bring his knowledge of strength and conditioning to those who could use it the most - the athletes.

"I looked up to him from the beginning when he was teaching my freshman health and wellness class," said Bryan Kolacz, a national Division III champion hammer thrower for the Owls. "He's been a great resource, helping me reach my potential as an athlete."

Proulx, who works with sprinters, jumpers, and throwers, says he enjoys the opportunity to work with students in two capacities: as a teacher and as a coach. "A lot of teaching takes place out of the classroom," he said. "This gives me the chance to stay up to date and apply the things I know."

In addition to working on technique, Proulx also handles key components like weight training and conditioning for the Owls. "I work to make them run faster, jump higher, and be more powerful," he said. "That's my emphasis and background."

Originally from Arlington, Mass., Proulx moved to Keene in 1975. As a senior at Keene High School, he was a state qualifier in the discus. Proulx went on to Keene State where he earned his degree in physical education/health and fitness in 1994.

Proulx's interests in conditioning and training went to the next level when, while pursuing his master's degree at Appalachian (N.C.) State, he had an opportunity to do research with Mike Stone, a national authority in the field, and Stone's wife Meg (Ritchie) Stone, a two-time Olympian in the discus. A certified athletic trainer and chiropractic doctor, Proulx was on the faculty at Hesser College in Manchester and Georgetown (Ky.) College before returning to Keene State in 2007.

A couple of years ago, Proulx took his conditioning and fitness program cross town to Keene High School. "It's not only a way for me to give back to my community, but also a chance for my students to get involved," said Proulx, who organizes internships that allow his students hands-on practical experience and the opportunity to work with a younger and different population.

Initially attracting football players during the summer, the program has expanded to in-season and includes students from incoming freshman to seniors. The results have been noteworthy. Longtime KHS baseball coach Tom Fowler told Proulx that he's seen the fewest injuries during his 40-year tenure.

Blackbird football coach John Luopa also sings Proulx's praises. "He's been a tremendous help. His kids really jump in and really like working with the athletes," said Luopa. "You can see the difference in our players. I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't around."

Weight training and conditioning has also become a family affair for Proulx. His wife Margarita, whom he met in Costa Rica, has not only tried her hand at such winter pastimes as ice fishing and snow-shoeing, but she's also grown enamored with lifting. A full-time student in the sustainable product and design program, she's contemplating the idea of joining the track team as a thrower.

In track, like all sports, it's all about results. "So much can be accomplished from the conditioning side, but it takes time," said Proulx, who also works with the KSC club hockey team.

Proulx says that college athletes go through dramatic lifestyle changes when it comes to their training and eating schedules. "They're not as physically active during the day like they were in high school," he said.

But Proulx believes youth and time is on the Owls' side. The combination of having a relatively young team and the time needed to implement the program is all in Keene State's favor in developing a program that will experience both short- and long-term results.