FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2016

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

Glenville State College Assistant Professor Dr. Guy Hornsby in the training hall

GLENVILLE, WV – This past November, Glenville State College Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Dr. William ‘Guy’ Hornsby, was part of a three-person research team that collected kinematic data at the 2015 International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Houston, Texas. The ten day event, televised by ESPN2, was the largest in history with around 300 lifters. It marked the first time in nearly 40 years the Championships, which determine how many spots each country qualifies for in the 2016 Summer Olympics, were hosted by the United States. “The experience was one that has created long-lasting memories, and I was proud and thankful to have had the opportunity to represent Glenville State College at such a prestigious event,” said Hornsby.

Through collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Hornsby helped collect weightlifting bar path data at the championships. The majority of their research centered on biomechanical assessment of weightlifting, which allows coaches and sport scientists to better understand the sport; potentially enhancing coaching and training strategies.

Weightlifting is a sport that involves two specific exercises, the ‘snatch’ and ‘clean and jerk.’ These two exercises, and derivatives of these movements are commonly performed in power training by athletes of various sports such as football, track and field, volleyball, and other explosive strength based sports. Thus, it is advantageous for strength and conditioning coaches of these sports to better understand weightlifting’s technical aspects.

Dr. Hornsby (right) with research colleagues from East Tennessee State University’s Center for Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education; (l-r) Mark South, Emily Brockelman, Dr. Mike Stone, and Meg Stone

“The data collection process involved the use of a high speed camera placed directly on the side of the competition platform to allow for two-dimensional analysis. The diameter of the weight is known and thus serves as a reference point. With the input of a few variables; primarily the lifters body mass, and the weight of the barbell, the barbell can be traced and tracked (via biomechanical software) providing several key variables such as barbell position, barbell acceleration, barbell velocity, barbell height, and barbell position and velocity at critical time periods,” explained Hornsby.

In addition to conducting research at the event, Hornsby enjoyed the experience personally. “Several world records were broken and, as is typically the case when the best in the world compete, there was plenty of drama across the various weight classes. My colleagues and I were provided access to the training hall where the athletes train during the days leading up to competition and we were allowed in limited access areas allowing us to see the event in a unique way, as well as meet and network with coaches, athletes, and other sport scientists from across the world,” he said.

Dr. Hornsby is certified by USA Weightlifting (USAW) and has been involved in the sport for approximately ten years, first competing at the national level for Stoneage Weightlifting Club and then assisting as a sport scientist/coach for ETSU’s designated Olympic Training Site. Currently, a major part of his professional development involves coaching the USAW sanctioned club, West Virginia Weightlifting.

For more information about the weightlifting research or programs available in GSC’s Department of Health and Physical Education, contact Hornsby at Guy.Hornsby@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6215.