Henderson Awarded the Doc Counsilman Science Award
June 19, 2012 (Indianapolis, IN) – The United States Olympic Committee today announced Neal Henderson (cycling; Boulder, Colo.), James Hrbek (judo; Schertz, Texas), Tom Waga (rugby; Provo, Utah), Dave Denniston (Paralympic swimming; Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Rick Bower (snowboarding; Park City, Utah) as the recipients of its 2012 Coach of the Year honors. The winners were recognized at a reception during the 2012 National Coaching Conference at the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Henderson took home the Doc Counsilman Science Award while Hrbek was named the Developmental Coach of the Year. Meanwhile, Waga was awarded Volunteer Coach of the Year and Denniston was recognized as the Paralympic Coach of the Year. Finally, Bower was named the Olympic Coach of the Year.
“These five coaches have impacted countless athletes throughout their exemplary careers,” said Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance. “They are shining examples of the team behind the team and their efforts have encouraged athletes of all levels to strive for excellence.”
National Governing Bodies selected their 2011 Coaches of the Year as part of the USOC Coach of the Year Recognition Program. The three finalists in each category were chosen by a panel of coaching and sport education professionals.
Doc Counsilman Science Award – Neal Henderson
For years, Henderson has been at the forefront of applying scientific principles in the lab and on the field to improve athlete performance in the world of cycling. During the 2010-11 season, he formulated additional tools and protocols for aerodynamic drag analysis, which helped determine the specific power required for cyclists to attain a given speed. The results helped pace Team USA to a silver-medal finish at the 2011 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. Later that summer, Henderson continued aerodynamic testing to help identify the best wheel combinations for U.S. cyclists competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
A rare, dual-certified elite U.S cycling and U.S. triathlon coach, Henderson has been instrumental in establishing training methods based on exercise physiology, including supplemental oxygen training and a computrainer program for junior cyclists at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.
About the National Coaches Conference
Hosted by the USA Coaching Coalition (comprised of the USOC, NCAA, National Federation of State High School Associations and National Association for Sport and Physical Education) the annual National Coaches Conference focuses on enhancing coaching knowledge and disseminating the latest research, trends and innovations in order to develop beginner to elite athletes. USOC, National Governing Body, university and sport professionals present on topics based on the National Standards for Sport Coaches.
All-Time USOC Coach of the Year Doc Counsilman Science Award Recipients
2004 Joe Vigil, Track & Field
2005 Dr. Kyle Pierce, USA Weightlifting
2006 Kate Arbour, U.S. Figure Skating
2007 Sean O’Neill, U.S. Paralympics Table Tennis
2008 Dave Bennett, USA Wrestling
2009 Heidi Thibert, U.S. Figure Skating and Edora Pool and Ice Center Coach
2010 Dr. Grant Schaffner, Skeleton
2011 Neal Henderson, USA Cycling
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