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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Strength & Conditioning Intern Zarkoskie Selected to NFL/NCAA Coaches Academy
2/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– Chris Zarkoskie, a strength and conditioning intern for the University of New Hampshire athletic department, has been selected to attend the fifth annual NFL and NCAA Coaches Academy on Feb. 20-22 in Louisville, Ky.
Zarkoskie is one of 30 attendees chosen for this academy, which was developed in 2011 as a collaborative effort between NCAA leadership development and NFL Player Engagement to positively influence diversity numbers in the college game and as a way for talented football coaches to gain exposure. Taking place during the annual NFL and NCAA Summit, the academy enables college coaches to meet NCAA athletics professionals, student-athlete affairs administrations, NCAA national office staff and NFL representatives and current and former NFL players.
"Continuing the education of administrators and coaches can provide a better, more complete experience for athletes, whether on campus or in the professional arena," said Bernard Franklin, NCAA executive vice president of education and community engagement membership chief inclusion officer. "The partnership with the National Football League has a positive impact on the sport and those charged with developing the game and its participants. The exposure of aspiring coaches to a collection of the top minds in football – discussing topics like financial literacy, mental health and locker room culture – is crucial now and in the future."
At the academy, coaches are trained in a variety of areas that encourage effective coaching and improve the athletes' well-being at both the college and professional levels. The coaches gain knowledge from workshops and interactive discussions. Topical education and conversation during the academy can include: effective communication with campus and community constituents; the importance of building a culture focused on the overall success of athletes on and off the field; budget management of a football program; coaching strategies and philosophies.
Attendees will be able to grow a professional network of individuals that include NCAA and NFL staff and other key resources in the sport. During the weekend, the group will receive advice about transitioning from a position coach to a coordinator from Ball State University offensive coordinator Joey Lynch and University of Connecticut co-defensive coordinator Vincent Brown. Lynch and Brown are also slated to take part in a session regarding game planning for an opponent, as well as ways to communicate that plan to today's athletes.
Zarkoskie graduated from UNH in 2012 with a degree in Psychology. The four-year letterwinner (2009-12) and three-year starter on the offensive line served as a senior captain in 2012, when he claimed a spot on the All-CAA Third-Team. Zarkoskie was named to the 2013 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which was comprised of college football players from all divisions who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career.
The native of West Caldwell, N.J., was recognized as a two-time member (2011, '12) of the Capital One Academic NCAA Division I Football District I First Team and the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team. He earned CAA Academic All-Conference Team honors and received the CAA Commissioner's Academic Award three straight years (2010-12), and he was named to UNH's Academic Honor Roll every semester of his academic career.
In 2013, Zarkoskie was the recipient of CAA football's inaugural Chuck Boone Leadership Award for embodying the highest standards of leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship in his academic and athletic achievements. In addition, he was an Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team nominee for selfless contributions to volunteerism and community service in both '11 and '12.
The academy is one of three programs that NCAA leadership development and the NFL collaborate on annually, all tailored to specific points in a football coach's career. The Future Football Coaches Academy is held in January for student-athletes who recently completed their eligibility and select individuals who have shown a desire to enter the college football coaching profession. In June, the NCAA Champion Forum kicks off a unique, yearlong professional development opportunity for current coordinators as well as assistant and associate coaches, providing a realistic view of the head coach's role and the preparation necessary to build a successful program.
NCAA leadership development and members from the Association selected the college coaches for the 2015 NFL and NCAA Coaches Academy. The leadership development department, located at the NCAA national office, coordinates and facilitates cutting-edge education and customized training for athletes, coaches and athletics administrators from NCAA member institutions, conference offices and the national office. The staff annually hosts more than 20 programs at little or no cost to the membership, with expert curriculum designed to enhance the well-being and personal development of NCAA athletes, and provides ongoing education to athletics professionals who serve their needs. For more information, visit ncaa.org/leadershipdevelopment.
