David Szymanski - Louisiana Tech University

David J. Szymanski, PhD, CSCS*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA 

Department of Kinesiology 

University Senate Chair Award Nominee Information 

I am honored to be among the nominees for this prestigious award. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

A) List of Courses Taught and Overall Teacher Evaluation: 

QUARTER COURSE RATING 

Winter 2012-13 KINE 407-001: Exercise Prescription 4.0 

KINE 408-001: Physiology of Exercise 4.0 

KINE 546-051: Physiology of Strength & Conditioning 4.0 

Fall 2012 KINE 408-001: Physiology of Exercise 4.0 

KINE 418-001: Strength & Conditioning for Improved Performance 4.0 

KINE 526-051: Physiology of Exercise I 4.0 

Spring 2012 KINE 418-001: Strength & Conditioning for Improved Performance 3.9 

KINE 536-051: Physiology of Exercise II 4.0 


KINE 408-001: Physiology of Exercise 4.0 






Winter 2010-11 KINE 408-001: Physiology of Exercise 4.0 

KINE 409-001: Measurement of Physiology Variables 4.0 


KINE 407-001: Exercise Prescription 3.9 





Spring 2010 KINE 408-001: Physiology of Exercise 3.8 













Winter 2008-09 KINE 292-002: Preventative Health & Wellness 4.0 

KINE 407-001: Exercise Prescription 3.9 

Fall 2008 HES 408 001: Physiology of Exercise 4.0 

HES 409 001: Measurement of Physiology Variables 4.0 

HES 409 002: Measurement of Physiology Variables 3.9 

HES 526 051: Physiology of Exercise I 3.9 

B) Statement of Beliefs Concerning the Importance of Teaching, Research, and Community/University 

Service to the Overall Mission of the University 

I have spent the last 5 years as an Assistant and Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology in the 

Department of Kinesiology striving to be the best teacher, researcher, and servant to the university that I can be. 

The area of Kinesiology is an evolving field of study. Because of this, I want to instill in the students that I teach a 

desire to learn, not for the moment, but for a lifetime. I want the students that I teach to be able to think critically, 

make educated decisions, communicate well, and be confident in their abilities. If I accomplish this, I have 

completed a major part of my responsibilities as a professor. 

As a teacher, I tell my students that “knowledge and experience is power.” I do this every quarter hopeful 

that they will understand the importance of their education, study hard, and take advantage of all the opportunities

presented to them. If they do this, they will be on their way to becoming powerful (knowledgeable) people. I 

believe that Kinesiology students should “talk the talk and walk the walk.” What I mean by this statement is that I 

want them to learn as much as possible about this field, be able to explain what is going on physiologically, and also 

live a healthy, active life. My career has provided me with a unique view and understanding of how to educate and 

instruct Kinesiology students as they progress from undergraduate to graduate students. I try to take advantage of 

every opportunity to interact with my students in promoting discussions that lead to critical thinking, and to try to 

relate the classroom material to lifetime and sport performance applications (e.g., testing baseball players and 

conducting training studies with them). I not only use scientific words or theories to explain a certain topic, but I 

also tell numerous analogies that simplify each of the concepts so that students can understand what I am saying. 

Furthermore, I want students to take ownership of their education and get the most out of it so it will 

benefit them in their career. The more they know and experience about their area of expertise, the better they will 

do in their career. I say career and not job because I think of a job as the position the man in the old Dunkin’ Donuts 

commercial had. I do not want my students to go to work saying that “It’s time to make the donuts” while they 

sleep walk through the doors of their employment. I want them to have a passion for their career to make a 

difference and to have self-fulfillment. I try to help students develop a passion for this field by getting them 

involved in research, presentations, professional organizations, and service. I have had a wonderful time teaching at 

Louisiana Tech University and I am proud to say that I have made a strong impact on student’s lives in multiple 

ways. Over the last 5 years, I have received outstanding student evaluations and wonderful comments from students 

indicating how they have enjoyed my classes (even though they were very challenging) and how being involved 

with research has influenced their outlook towards their respective field of study. I have also received numerous 

emails from some of our graduates (who have gone on to PT school and doctoral programs) thanking me for 

challenging them in the classroom. 

As an educator/coach/mentor, I have maintained a strong passion for teaching and the quest for knowledge. 

My teaching and research are connected. I enjoy the quest for knowledge so much that I tell students and peers that 

I think of myself as the Indiana Jones of sports performance research. I am looking for the Holy Grail (the illusive 

treasure of sports performance knowledge). I do this by conducting research with college students as well as high 

school and college athletes. While at Louisiana Tech University, more than 450 students have been involved in my 

research, as both subjects and investigators. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my research findings with students and 

peers. My research is an extension of me and partially defines who I am. I get a lot of self-fulfillment from being a 

researcher, and I hope that I can inspire others to pursue their passion the way that others have inspired me. 

I believe that it is essential that we participate in university service because our decisions and actions will 

have an impact on the image and direction of the university. My service to the university has grown every year. I 

am involved at all three levels; department, college, and university. Last year, as the President of the University 

Senate, was very rewarding. I was able to see the University Senate member’s attitudes about service blossom. Last 

year we were collectively involved in every aspect of university life in an attempt to work with the administration to 

improve the working environment for the betterment of all. And, I am proud to say, we made a difference. Finally, 

I also serve the university as the Volunteer Head Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coach for the LaTech Baseball 

team. This position allows me to teach (coach), complete research, provide mentorship, and get interested 

Kinesiology graduate and undergraduate students involved in every aspect of the player’s strength training, 

conditioning, and testing. 

I have a tremendous amount of gratitude and appreciation for those who helped to educate and mentor me. 

Being a professor provides me with an opportunity to give someone else the benefits of education and 

encouragement that helped me develop as an individual. I continue to learn from colleagues, students, and family. I 

believe there is distinct relationship between my record of teaching, research, and service, one that exemplifies the 

high standards of Louisiana Tech University. 

C) Selected List of Publications, Grants, and Similar Activities 

13 Articles in Refereed Journals (2009 to Present) 

Szymanski, DJ. Effects of various resistance training methods on overhand throwing power athletes: A brief review. Strength 

and Conditioning Journal. 34(6): 61-74, 2012. 

Wilson, JM, Miller, AL, Szymanski, DJ, Duncan, NM, Anderson, JC, Alcantara, ZG, Bergman, CJ, and Morrison, TJ. Effects of 

various warm-up devices and rest period lengths on batting velocity and acceleration of intercollegiate baseball players. Journal 

of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(9): 2317-2323. 2012. 

Szymanski, DJ, Bassett, KE, Beiser, EJ, Till, ME, Medlin, GL, Beam, JR, and DeRenne, C. Effect of various warm-up devices 

on bat velocity of intercollegiate softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): 199-205. 2012. 

Szymanski, DJ. Resistance training to avoid little league elbow and shoulder. NSCA’s Performance Training Journal. 10(2): 

15-20. 2011. 

Szymanski, DJ, Beiser, EJ, Bassett, KE, Till, ME, Medlin, GL, Beam, JR, and DeRenne, C. Effect of various warm-up devices 

on bat velocity of intercollegiate baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(2): 287-292. 2011.

Szymanski, DJ and DeRenne, C. The effects of small muscle training on baseball hitting performance: A brief review. Strength 

and Conditioning Journal. 32(6): 99-108. 2010. 

Beam, JR and Szymanski, DJ. Validity of two skinfold calipers in estimating percent body fat of college-aged men and women. 

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24(12): 3448-3456. 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ, Szymanski, JM, Schade, RL, Bradford, TJ, McIntyre, JS, DeRenne, C, and Madsen, NH. The relation between 

anthropometric and physiological variables and linear bat swing velocity of high school baseball players before and after 12 

weeks of training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24(11): 2933-2943. 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ. General, special, and specific core training for baseball players. NSCA’s Performance Training Journal. 9(5): 

13-16. 2010. 

Davison SW, Caruso JF, Taylor ST, Lutz BM, Olson NM, Mason ML, and Szymanski DJ. The benefits of low-friction 

resistance training in an adolescent baseball player. Medicina Sportiva. 14(2): 90-95. 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ, DeRenne, C, and Spaniol, FJ. Contributing factors for increased bat swing velocity. Journal of Strength and 

Conditioning Research. 23(4): 1338-1352. 2009. 

Szymanski, DJ. Physiology of baseball pitching dictates specific exercise intensity for conditioning. Strength and Conditioning 

Journal. 31(2): 41-47. 2009. 

DeRenne, C and Szymanski, DJ. Effects of baseball weighted implement training: A brief review. Strength and Conditioning 

Journal. 31(2): 30-37. 2009. 

32 Abstracts in Refereed Journals and Presentations (2009 to Present) 

Szymanski, D and Porche, B. Relationships of anthropometric and performance variables to offensive statistics of college 

baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Poster 56 Presentation. NSCA National Conference. 

Providence, RI. Friday, July 13, 2012. 

Blankenship, T, Szymanski, D, and Cicciarella, C. Effect of fast vs slow muscle contraction velocity on strength, power, and 

speed development. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Poster 35 Presentation. NSCA National Conference. 

Providence, RI. Saturday, July 14, 2012. 

Szymanski, DJ, Stanley, BE, Beiser, EJ, and Parks, JJ. Relationships between physiological variables and golf performance. 

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S39. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, 

NV. July 7, 2011. 

Szymanski, DJ, Clark, SL, Accardo, DM, Beiser, EJ, Bassett, KE, Szymanski, JM, Medlin, GL, and Till, ME. Effect of various 

resisted training devices on bat swing and batted-ball velocities of novice college students. Journal of Strength and Conditioning 

Research. 26(1): S13-14. 2011. Oral Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8, 2011. 

Szymanski, JM, Szymanski, DJ, Clark, SL, Accardo, DM, Beiser, EJ, and Bassett, KE. Relationship between anthropometric and 

performance variables to bat swing and batted-ball velocities in novice college students. Journal of Strength and Conditioning 

Research. 26(1): S72-73. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8, 2011. 

Beiser, EJ, Szymanski, DJ, and Brooks, KA. Physiological responses to baseball pitching during a simulated and intrasquad 

game. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): 80. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las 

Vegas, NV. July 8, 2011. 

Accardo, DM, Szymanski, DJ, Brooks, KA, and Beiser, EJ. Validity and reliability of the MyoTest device: A comparison to 1 

rep max testing, and 70% max testing of bench press of college aged males. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 

26(1): S53. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 7, 2011. 

Brooks, KA, Carter, JG, Craven, KT, Crise, RS, Beiser, EJ, and Szymanski, DJ. Changes in baseball pitching biomechanics, 

pitch velocity, and body position during an intrasquad game. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S28. 2011. 

Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 7, 2011. 

Myers, ZJ, Brooks, KA, Szymanski, DJ, and Accardo, DM. Biodex and throwing velocities: A comparison of baseball pitchers 

and football quarterbacks. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S96-97. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA 

National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 7, 2011. 

Ritter, BT, Brooks, KA, Szymanski, DJ, and Accardo, DM. Comparison of equations calculating vertical jump testing in 

collegiate men’s basketball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S29-30. 2011. Poster Presentation. 

NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 7, 2011. 

Phillips, LE, Brooks, KA, and Szymanski, DJ. Validity and accuracy of submaximal cycling and maximal treadmill exercise 

testing on college aged participants. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S114. 2011. Poster Presentation. 

NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 9, 2011.

Bergman, CJ, Miller, AL, Szymanski, DJ, Cannata, M, Duncan, N, Baietto, C, Morrison, TJ, Otero, K, Sullivan, J, Carroll, C, 

Andersen, JC, and Wilson, JM. The effects of various warm-up implements and rest periods on triceps and forearm rise times 

and peak activation. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S2-3. 2011. Oral Presentation. NSCA National 

Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 7, 2011. 

Cannata, M, Miller, AL, Baietto, C, Szymanski, DJ, Duncan, N, Bergman, CJ, Andersen, JC, O'Sullivan, J, Lowry, R, Morrison, 

TJ, and Wilson, JM. The relationship between grip strength and peak forearm activation (%MVIC) on baseball batting force, 

acceleration, and velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S19. 2011. Oral Presentation. NSCA 


Miller, AL, Wilson, JM, Cannata, M, Thompson, K, Morrison, TJ, Bergman, C, Duncan, N, Andersen, J, Morris, K, Baietto, C, 

Lowry, R, Otero, K, O’Sullivan, J, and Szymanski, DJ. The effects of various warm-up implements and rest periods on batting 

acceleration and velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S16. 2011. Oral Presentation. NSCA 


Alcantara, Z, Miller, AL, Cannata, M, Baietto, C, Bergman, CJ, Szymanski, DJ, Andersen, JC, Duncan, N, Thompson, K, Otero, 

K, and Wilson, JM. Differences among swing dynamics and end point fatigue between variably weighted bat conditions. Journal 

of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26(1): S108. 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. 

July 9, 2011. 

Szymanski, DJ, Albert, JM, Reed, JG, and Szymanski, JM. Relationships between anthropometric and physiological variables 

and sport-specific skills of collegiate baseball players. Medicine Science Sports & Exercise. 43(5): S596. 2011. Poster 

Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting. Denver, CO. June 3, 2011. 

Brooks, KA, Santos, M, Szymanski, DJ, and Smith, P. History of injuries and physical limitations in Division I female athletes. 

Medicine Science Sports & Exercise. 43(5): S1. 2011. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting. Denver, CO. June 1, 2011. 

Szymanski, DJ, Beiser, EJ, Bassett, KE, Till, ME, Medlin, GL, and DeRenne, C. Effect of various warm-up devices on bat swing 

velocity of baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 122. March 2011. Poster Presentation. 

NSCA National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 17, 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ, Beiser, EJ, Bassett, KE, Till, ME, and Szymanski, JM. Relationship between sports performance variables and 

bat swing velocity of collegiate baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 122. March 2011. 

Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 17, 2010. 

Szymanski, JM, Lowe, HE, Szymanski, DJ, Cicciarella, CF, Lowe, DW, Gilliam, ST and Spaniol, FJ. Effect of visual training on 

batting performance and pitch recognition of Division I softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 

49-50. March 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 17, 2010. 

Szymanski, JM, Szymanski, DJ, Britt, AT, and Cicciarella, CF. Effect of preseason over-weighted medicine ball training on 

throwing velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 64. March 2011. Poster Presentation. NSCA 

National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 16, 2010. 

Bassett, KE, Szymanski, DJ, Beiser, EJ, Till, ME, Medlin, GL, and DeRenne, C. Effect of various warm-up devices on bat swing 

velocity of softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 71. March 2011. Poster Presentation. 

NSCA National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 16, 2010. 

Till, ME, Bassett, KE, Beiser, EJ, Medlin, GL, Szymanski, JM, Brooks, KA, and Szymanski, DJ. Relationship between lower 

body power and softball specific-skills. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 25(3): 65-66. March 2011. Poster 

Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Orlando, FL. July 16, 2010. 

Brooks, KA, Szymanski, DJ, and Bishop, P. Five-year follow-up: Physical activity, daily limitations, and body weight change in 

former athletes vs non-athlete alumni. Medicine Science Sports & Exercise. 42(5): 475. 2010. Poster Presentation. ACSM 

Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. June 2-5, 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ, Szymanski, JM, Albert, JM, Beam, JR, Hsu, HS, Reed, JG, and Spaniol, FJ. Physiological and anthropometric 

characteristics of college baseball players over an entire year. Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National Conference & Exhibition 

Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster Presentation. NSCA National 

Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

Szymanski, DJ, McHenry, SP, Blankenship, TM, Lowe, HE, Mire, KR, Reed, JG, Stanley, BE, Hsu, HS, and Beam, JR. Effect 

of medicine ball training on bat swing and batted-ball velocities on novice participants. Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National 

Conference & Exhibition Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster 

Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

Szymanski, JM, Szymanski, DJ, Britt, AT, Lowe, HE, Hsu, HS, Gilliam, ST, and Potts, JD. Relationship between strength, 

power, lean body mass, and baseball-specific skills. Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National Conference & Exhibition Abstracts 

for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster Presentation. NSCA National 

Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009.

Braswell, MT, Szymanski, DJ, Szymanski, JM, Dixon, EE, Gilliam, ST, Wood, RJ, Britt, AT, and Cicciarella, CF. Physiological 

differences in mixed martial artist and traditional martial artists: A pilot study. Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National 

Conference & Exhibition Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster 

Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

Gilliam, ST, Szymanski, DJ, Braswell, MT, Britt, AT, Cicciarella, CF, Herring, AL, Holloway, BT, Lowe, HE, Potts, JD, 

Szymanski, JM, Till, ME, and Spaniol, FJ. Effect of vision training on batting performance and pitch recognition of Division I 

baseball players. Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National Conference & Exhibition Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and 

Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8- 

11, 2009. 

Lowe, HE, Szymanski DJ, Bankston, BL, Braswell, MT, Britt, AT, Gilliam, ST, Herring, AL, Holloway, BT, Lowe, DW, Potts, 

JD, Szymanski, JM, and Till, ME. Relationship between body composition and bat swing velocity of college softball players. 

Currently on-line: 32 nd NSCA National Conference & Exhibition Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning 

Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 2010. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

Spaniol, F, Paluseo, J, Bonnette, R, Melrose, D, Ocker, L, and Szymanski, D. The relationship between static strength, rotational 

strength, rotational power, bat speed, and batted-ball velocity of NCAA Division I baseball players. Currently on-line: 32 nd 

NSCA National Conference & Exhibition Abstracts for The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24 (Suppl. 1): 1, 

2010. Poster Presentation. NSCA National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

Szymanski, DJ, Szymanski, JM, Brooks, KA, Braswell, MT, Britt, AT, Hsu, HS, Lowe, HE, Taylor, EG, and Weil, KL. The 

relationship between power and lean body mass to sport-specific skills of college baseball players. Medicine & Science Sports & 

Exercise. 41(5): 307-308. 2009. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA. May 27-30, 2009. 

3 Grants 

Student Technology Fee Board. Louisiana Tech University. Lanie Dornier, Tammy Schilling, and David Szymanski. $97,000. 

Funded $29,465 (2012-2013). 


Submitted (2009-2010). Not funded. 


Funded $34,680 (2008-2009). 

Presentations: National 

Szymanski, DJ. In-Season Training for the Pitcher: The Why and How. Session Presentation. National Strength and 

Conditioning Association’s Coaches Conference. San Antonio, TX. January 7, 2012. 

Szymanski, DJ. Longitudinal effects of 3-years of resistance training on performance variables of college baseball players. 

Session Presentation. National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Sport-Specific Training Conference. Orlando, FL. 

January 8-9, 2010. 

Szymanski, DJ. Physiologic and anthropometric characteristics of college baseball over an entire year. Session Presentation. 

National Strength and Conditioning Association’s National Conference. Las Vegas, NV. July 8-11, 2009. 

D) Selected List of Community/University Service Activities 

2012-2013 Past-President, University Senate, Louisiana Tech University 

2013 Thesis/Dissertation Committee, College of Education, Louisiana Tech University 

2012-present Graduate Assistant Coordinator, Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana Tech University 

2012-2013 Search Committee Chair, Biomechanics academic position, Louisiana Tech University 

2012 College of Education Dean Search Committee, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 President, University Senate, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 Faculty Advisory Council, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 University Communications Committee, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 Administrative and Planning Council, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 University Tenure Faculty Committee, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 LaTech Faculty Representative for Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities 

2011-2012 Bookstore Advisory Committee, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 Classroom Behavior Committee, Louisiana Tech University 

2011-2012 Liaison for Think First Alcohol Awareness Presentation, Louisiana Tech University 

2010-present Kinesiology faculty representative for Tech 2020, Louisiana Tech University 

2010-2011 Vice President, University Senate, Louisiana Tech University 

2009-2010 Faculty Advisory Council Alternate for Louisiana Tech University 

2009-present Program Director of NSCA Education Recognition Program at Louisiana Tech University (graduate) 

2008-present Member of Academic Excellence Advisory Council, Louisiana Tech University 

2008-2010 University Senate Executive Committee COE Representative 

2008-present Volunteer Strength and Conditioning Coach (Baseball), Louisiana Tech University 

2007-2010 University Senate, Louisiana Tech University

David Szymanski - Louisiana Tech University

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